ACT government workers fight cuts

By Tim Gooden CANBERRA — Buses, trucks, tractors and vans blockaded the ACT Legislative Assembly in a five-union protest on February 14. Up to 700 members of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) and other unions covering heavy vehicle drivers staged a three-hour protest against the minority Liberal government's refusal to give a 9% fully funded wage increase to all government workers. Many Community and Public Sector Union members walked out of their offices in solidarity, and students from several schools also joined the rally. The crowd was addressed by leaders from each of the unions, members of the Legislative Assembly from the ALP and the Greens, and the Democratic Socialist candidate for Canberra, Sue Bull. The Greens received a poor response from the workers, being implicated in the government's attacks by their vote for Carnell as chief minister. In contrast, TWU organiser Trevor Santi received a roar of approval for his suggestion that if the government doesn't start listening, such blockades would continue. The government's attempts to implement its budget cuts through the current round of enterprise bargaining agreements is resulting in an escalation of the unions' campaign. Over the last two weeks, all sections of the work force have engaged in some form of industrial action and held public protests. The Trades and Labor Council has called for the reopening of negotiations. If the talks break down, a major union backlash is likely. Despite this, the government appears intent on inflaming the unions. After the blockade, Carnell accused the unions of "industrial thuggery" and declared that she would deduct the cost of ongoing industrial action from the public-sector wage offer. This means the pay offer is now 4.15% rather than 4.3%. The government is running out of strategies to counter the union actions. It has tried threats of lockouts (eventually withdrawn in the face of a total public service shut down) and appeals for public support. Its two attempts to use the Industrial Relations Commission to suspend or terminate the enterprise agreement bargaining period were unsuccessful. Carnell's appeals for public support have not elicited a great response. Most government charges had already been increased prior to the dispute. In contrast, most of the unions' bans, being aimed at revenue collection, have been very popular. According to the Canberra Times on February 16, the bans on collection of bus fares, pay parking, tip fees, motor vehicle inspection fees and urban services work orders have so far cost the ACT $876,800. Plans for further attacks on the public sector leak out daily. Most recently, a plan to privatise whole sections of the health system has emerged. Only two weeks ago, the government's plan to contract out 100% of information technology services was revealed. Workers and service users are beginning to see that for all the "reforms" and efficiencies, fewer jobs and fewer services are emerging at the other end. The local ALP has been making much of the government's economic rationalist program, but without offering any alternatives. Under the previous Follet Labor government, some 3000 public service jobs were lost, the Royal Canberra Hospital was closed and attempts were made to axe 80 teaching positions. Even if the union actions did manage to rid the ACT of the minority Liberal government, Labor has made no promises to restore jobs, working conditions, decent levels of pay or quality public services. ACT government workers have been only marginally better off under Labor and in the context of federal Labor's commitment to out-sourcing, privatisation, enterprise bargaining and reactionary industrial relations legislation, there is little possibility that the ALP locally would provide any real solutions.
[Tim Gooden is a CPSU workplace delegate and a member of the Democratic Socialist Party.]