Job security top issue - Qld forum

Date: 01 November 2001

Job security and guarantees of employee entitlements are the main concerns for Telstra and Ansett workers meeting in Brisbane today as part of a nationwide series of pre-election forums on employment issues.

Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) General Secretary Grace Grace said job security is a critical issue for many employees.

"Tens of thousands workers have lost not only their jobs due to corporate collapses and downsizing but millions of dollars in unpaid entitlements including accrued redundancy payments, sick pay and long service leave," Ms Grace said.

Today's meetings are discussing federal policy issues including the need for a comprehensive plan to save jobs and create future employment, the need for 100% guarantee of employee entitlements, the need for greater job security and the need for an independent umpire in industrial relations.

"Gate Gourmet Queensland lost 174 jobs, Cooroy Private Hospital lost 103 jobs, Yeppoon and Rockhampton St Andrews Hospital lost 183 jobs, Far North Queensland Telstra lost 178 jobs as well as Ansett, One.Tel, HIH, this pattern can not continue in Queensland," Ms Grace said.

"Telstra has lost 40,000 full time jobs since 1996 under the Howard government, and more will go if Howard's plans to sell Telstra if re-elected are successful," she said.

Are you feeling relaxed, comfortable and secure in your job?
Thursday, November 1 2001
12pm
Makerston Street park area (opp. Police HQ, Roma Street)

Speakers include QCU General Secretary Grace Grace, Federal Shadow IR Minister Arch Bevis, Ansett worker Dennis Bell and retrenched Telstra worker Geoff Taylor.

QCU will also launch its election material, "Are you feeling relaxed, comfortable and secure in your job?"

For media comment contact General Secretary Grace Grace on (07) 3846 2468 or 0418 782 654

For further information

Contact:	Liz Phillips
Union:	Queensland Council of Unions
Phone:	07 3846 2468
Contact Mobile:	0407 624 475
Email:	lizp@qcu.asn.au
WWW:	http://www.qcu.asn.au

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