Tax officers to strike 11/05

Date: 10 May 2000

Members of the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) will take strike action for several hours tomorrow morning (Thursday 11 May) in support of their 8% pay claim. It is expected that there will be pickets outside most Tax offices until at least 10am tomorrow at which time members will return to work.

This strike action follows the widespread imposition of work-bans on Tuesday. These work bans, which are already affecting many of the ATO's activities are set to intensify unless a breakthrough is made.

Shane O'Connell, Secretary of the CPSU Tax Section, says "We regret the fact that members of the public will be affected by this stoppage but the reality is Tax Office management are totally responsible for the breakdown in negotiations. They have refused to deal fairly and squarely with members on this issue. We kicked off these negotiations over 9 months ago. Since than Tax Commissioner, Michael Carmody, has given us one hour of his time to resolve it."

Tax officers are angry because the ATO is refusing to acknowledge the extra effort they have made implementing the government's tax reform package.

"Unless Mr Carmody acts to improve the pay offer he will continue to lose his skilled staff to the private sector where pay rates are 25% higher." MrO'Connell added.

For Comment

Shane O'Connell
0418 304 953
pager 016 372 348

Michael Tull
0418 557 380
pager 016 372 348

For further information

Contact:	Shane O'Connell
Union:	CPSU - National Office
Phone:	0418 304 953

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