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PSA says 'Put it to a vote!'
ADELAIDE — The Public Service Association has called on the South Australian government to put its wage offer for public servants to a vote of employees, after negotiations failed to reach a conclusion.
The PSA initially lodged a claim for a 12% pay rise over two years, later reducing the figure to 10% in an effort to progress genuine bargaining. The government's offer of 3-4% per year was overwhelmingly rejected at a union mass meeting on February 24.
On March 26, thousands of public servants participated in the state's first sector-wide strike in more than 20 years. Since then, various workplaces have continued with bans and impromptu strike action resulting in office closures and disruption to court and prison services. On one occasion PSA members chanted outside the offices of the industrial relations minister.
The negotiations stalled after the government declared its offer to be final. The Commissioner for Public Employment has lodged an application with the industrial relations commission to vary the award. A hearing is scheduled for May 6.
The PSA has called another delegates meeting for May 4.
Melanie Sjoberg
Community says 'enough is enough' to greedy developers
WOLLONGONG — On April 30, 150 people rallied against a development application that will see an eight-story building erected in East Crown Street. The area is also known as "The Rocks" of Wollongong for its heritage-listed buildings, popular shops and cafes.
Developers' plans involve the destruction of some of the last remaining 19th century shops in Wollongong, which are home to much loved cafes, restaurants and the famous Perey's Old Books. Some 1500 people have already signed a petition to stop the development.
The rally was addressed by federal Greens MP Michael Organ, Karla Sperling from Friends of the Regent Theatre, Perey's Old Books owner Jo Abrantes, local councillors Anne Wood and David Martin, and Belinda Selke from the Socialist Alliance. The speakers all emphasised the cultural and historical significance of East Crown Street to the community.
Selke argued that real "revitalisation" of Wollongong can only come through addressing the city's appalling rates of unemployment, homelessness, poverty, and drug and mental health issues. She condemned the proposal for more "luxury" apartments while many existing units lie empty and thousands of people sleep on the streets. She called for greater community participation in council decision-making.
A campaign group was initiated from the gathering. To get involved phone Jo or Belinda on (02) 4226 9966.
Chris Williams
From Green Left Weekly, May 5, 2004.
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