Workers Family Needs Rejected

Date: 01 May 2003

The two female employees of Dick Smith Electronics :- Amanda Ibbotson and Diane Wilson, have now been told to "take it or leave it" in a shocking display of arrogant management skills that defy belief.

The workers, who are now involved in an unfair dismissal and unpaid redundancy dispute since Dick Smith Electronics sacked them, even though the employees offered to trial positions, are stunned by the company's hard line towards them.

Both workers were employed by Dick Smith Electronics for many years - one with over 20 years service. According to Michael Want, the Secretary of the Australian Services Union representing the women, it is another example of a company treating their workers with contempt. "These workers have tried to find a way out of a difficult situation. When Dick Smith Electronics re-deployed them to unacceptable positions, the workers applied for redundancy. They were rewarded with dismissal," said Michael Want.

"It is here that the story takes an unbelievable twist. In an attempt to find a solution to the situation the workers agreed to take on the re-deployed jobs on a trial basis, a difficult decision for both women to make particularly with their family responsibilities. In a true display of arrogant contempt, Dick Smith Electronics refused this trial. At a meeting on Thursday 24th April they advised that the jobs would be kept open until Friday 25th April. Management were not even prepared to wait until after Anzac Day."

Michael Want says the dispute is now back before the Industrial Relations Commission. "These workers have been treated in an appalling manner, capped off with a contemptuous and insulting offer of take or leave it. They must be treated in a proper manner and all their concerns be taken into consideration by management."

Both workers are available for comment to the media.

For further details please ring Michael Want on 0409 128 164 or Tania Mihailuk on 0419 970 621 or (02) 9265 8211.

For further information

Contact:	Michael Want
Union:	Australian Services Union NSW Clerical & Administrative Branch
Phone:	(02) 9265 8211
Fax:	(02) 9261 2265
Email:	office@asuclerical-nsw.asn.au
WWW:	http://asuclerical-nsw.asn.au/

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