Public sector negotiations escalate

Date: 20 June 2002

Today's rally and protest march on Parliament House by Queensland public sector maintenance workers has significantly escalated the bargaining dispute with the Queensland government.

For the first time in public sector negotiations, workers from different departments have joined together in industrial action.

Over 600 Queensland health maintenance workers and Q-Build workers rallied and marched in protest to Parliament House.

This morning Q-Build workers walked off the job after members rejected the latest pay offer by the Queensland government.

Queensland health maintenance workers also walked off the job over their own bargaining claims and have adopted resolutions condemning the government for locking out Q-Build workers.

Queensland health maintenance workers have warned the government not to try the same "lock out" tactics in health negotiations.

Queensland Council of Unions General Secretary Grace Grace said these actions show that government attempts to force workers into accepting sub-standard offers are only going to inflame negotiations and industrial action.

"Queensland health workers and Q-Build workers will continue to take industrial action until their issues have been addressed and meaningful negotiations begin," she said.

"The government should realise they can not continue with take it or leave it negotiations and should bargain in good faith," Ms Grace said.

"The government needs to listen to their workers and address their real concerns regarding workplace conditions in the public sector," she said.

A delegation of union delegates and officials from the AMWU, BLF, CFMEU, CEPU (Plumbing and Electrical) met with Industrial Relations Minister Gordon Nuttall at the rally.

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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