Abbott staff think outside theBoxall

Date: 22 July 2002

The non-union bargaining push in Tony Abbott's Workplace Relations department, hit a brick wall late on Friday afternoon when it was revealed more than 90 per cent of staff voted against department secretary Peter Boxall's proposed new agreement.

It is believed to be the second largest 'no' vote in the public sector.
The "convincing" result follows several months of bargaining high jinx, including a management attempt to jack up the 'yes' vote by 'spamming' staff with personalised e-mails.
The CPSU's Jenness Gardner is pleased with the result, but says she is now focussed on getting DEWR back to the bargaining table and "nutting out a workable agreement."
"You would have to say there is not a lot of grey area in this result. We are hopeful that DEWR management will get the message," said Gardner.
According to the CPSU, staff rejected the sec.170LK agreement for a range of reasons including a relatively low pay rise, lack of access to the AIRC for dispute resolution, cuts to remote localities allowances and problems with retention provisions.
The CPSU is seeking a prompt meeting with management to develop a way forward.

For comment: Jenness Gardner 0417 045 542

For further information

Contact:	Jenness Gardner
Union:	CPSU - National Office
Phone:	0417 045 542

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