FAIRFAX STAFF CONDEMN LOCKOUT

"This is one of the most serious uses by an employer of the Workplace Relations Act", said Alliance Federal Secretary Chris Warren.

"This sort of legislation encourages even good employers to take terrible action. Just because it is legal doesn't mean it is right."

Mr Warren praised the staff at The Age "for their courageous actions in response to the company lock-out."

The members resolved to thank "the ACTU, the Victorian Trades Hall Council, the PKIU, the ETU and individual members for these unions for their support."

Age staffers Claire Miller and Darren Farrant received numerous rousing ovations from their Sydney colleagues, while Claire's observations from the weekends' peaceful community assembly at The Age headquarters reinforced the national importance of this dispute.

The members passed a resolution 325-2 which noted "... the company's undertaking that negotiations will continue on the basis of an improved pay offer that recognises our objective to maintain real wages. We also note the undertakings on resources."