Mirotone ratchets up dispute

Date: 13 March 2001

MEDIA RELEASE

" This was an extremely provocative act. The union is now going to the Federal Court seeking an interlocutory injunction to have this extraordinary act halted," Cheryl Hyde, the LHMU Assistant National Secretary said today.

" The LHMU had hoped that today's meeting with the company would open up an opportunity to resolve the dispute.

" The company had asked for these talks and we were optimistic that we would work to resolve our differences - especially over the issue of the 35 hour week.

" But by acting this way against the union delegate the company has inexplicably ratcheted up the dispute," Cheryl Hyde said.

" Our delegate was called in by the company today - and with a union organiser present - was again offered a non-union staff position , which would have meant a cut in pay and conditions.

" This is not the first time that the company has tried to neutralise Ken Phillips.

" He has been offered this staff position before and each time he has turned it down.

" Today when he again refused the staff position they declared him redundant," Cheryl Hyde said.

Enterprise bargaining negotiations started with Mirotone in November last year.

The paint company on Monday extended its lockout of its Queensland and NSW workforce for another fortnight, as part of an increasingly bitter campaign to break the 35 hour week and force workers out of the union and onto individual employment contracts.

The LHMU proudly represents more than 150,000 hard working women and men throughout Australia.

For further info:

Cheryl Hyde, LHMU Assistant National Secretary

02 8204 7221 or 042 524 2731

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