[Greens-Media] MARK PARNELL MLC: Radio Rentals workers deserve the right to collectively bargain, say Greens

[Greens]

Media Release
8 September 2006
     

Radio Rentals workers deserve the right to collectively bargain, say
Greens


Like all Australian workers, the 16 technicians locked out of their
Prospect workplace for a month by Radio Rentals management, deserve the
right to enter into a shared workplace agreement and should not be
forced on to individual Australian Workplace Agreements, says Greens MLC
Mark Parnell.

"The Industrial Relations pendulum has well and truly swung too far in
favour of employers. To be refused entry from your workplace and go
without pay for a month for taking protected industrial action frankly
smacks of bully-boy tactics," he said.

"So much for 'protected' action - after having to jump through hoops to
finally be given the right to take action, the instant the action is
over, the workers get punished. This just doesn't affect the workers, it
also affects their families and children.  A month is a very long time
for no money to be coming in.

"The problem is, under the new Howard industrial order, these workers no
longer have the option to go to a neutral umpire to resolve their
issues.  Instead, employers have been given the confidence to play
hardball," Mr Parnell said.  

The Greens fundamentally believe in the importance of a collective
workplace agreement that sets out worker's pay and conditions.  We
continue to fight for the right of workers to organise collectively in
democratic unions, and a system of comprehensive industrial awards and
arbitration. 

"These workers should be congratulated for having the courage to fight
for their rights. They, and their union, are an important part of a
wider struggle to secure a fair go for all working families," he said.


For further comment contact Craig Wilkins on 0434 007 893


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