Release Date: 12/11/2014
Business believes unions are out of touch by using stop-work tactics to protest against the government’s budget strategies.
This follows yesterday’s decision to hold a two hour stop-work on November 27 starting at 8.30am and has advised parents there would be no supervision of children during that period at all schools, colleges and TAFEs.
The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey said unions had taken a desperate and out-dated step to introduce stop-work, or strike tactics.
“The action by the education or teachers union shows a lack of understanding of Tasmania’s dire economic position which has forced our commercial sector to reduce job numbers and hours. Annual wage increases and increments enjoyed for so long by public servants are a rarity in the private sector battling to survive in tough times.
“To call for strike action shows just how out of touch with the community and the economic reality the union movement is today. It’s not the time to introduce 30 year-old tactics with the victims being students and their working parents.
Business is bemused by this action which begs the question of how this will improve the education outcomes for Tasmanian students.
“They have misread the situation which explains why non-union members are now publicly asking for advice as to how they can retain their independence and not be involved in industrial action,” Mr Bailey said.
Contact: TCCI Chief Executive, Michael Bailey, mobile 0437 322 338