NSW: Road service members reject pay offer

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2000
NSW: Road service members reject pay offer

SYDNEY, Aug 18 AAP - NRMA road service mechanics have unanimously rejected a new pay
agreement, claiming the offer was aimed at dividing workers.

Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) state secretary Paul Bastian said the
NRMA's proposed new pay agreement had not found favour with its 500 road service mechanics
state-wide.

Mr Bastian said the workers were concerned about plans to change rostering arrangements,
particularly changes to previous long service rostering agreements.

During a series of meetings yesterday workers unanimously rejected the NRMA's latest offer.

The NRMA said its agreement included necessary roster improvements in return for a
14 per cent pay increase and guaranteed job security for the next two years.

In a statement NRMA road management said the changes were needed to provide NRMA members
improved road service.

The union said the recent demutualisation of the company had soured relations between
workers and management.

Mr Bastian said during previous pay talks management had taken a partnership approach
and was involved in extensive consultation with unions.

But the union said the workplace changes the NRMA was trying to implement was about
dividing workers.

"Essentially our people are not going to be run shotgun over by management - it's just
not going to happen," he said.

The union is expected to meet with the NRMA today, with the matter to go back to the
NSW Industrial Relations Commission on Monday.

An AMWU spokesman said while the union had not ruled out industrial action, it remained
hopeful the matter could be resolved in the commission.

If the members were to strike it would be the first time in 11 years that road service
mechanics had taken industrial action.

AAP nd/cd

KEYWORD: NRMA UNION (CARRIED EARLIER)

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.