BP2002/1371, Transcript of Proceedings [2002] AIRCTrans 1128 (5 April 2002)

AUSCRIPT PTY LTD
ABN 76 082 664 220

Level 4, 179 Queen St MELBOURNE Vic 3000
(GPO Box 1114J MELBOURNE Vic 3001)
DX 305 Melbourne Tel:[phone] Fax:[phone]

TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS


AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL

RELATIONS COMMISSION

COMMISSIONER EAMES

BP2002/1371

APPLICATION FOR TERMINATION OF
BARGAINING PERIOD

Application under section 170MW of the Act
by Eurest (Australia) Pty Limited for orders
to suspend or terminate bargaining period
in BP2002/763

EXTRACT OF TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS

MELBOURNE

WEDNESDAY, 20 MARCH 2002

EXTRACT OF TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS

PN1

THE COMMISSIONER: I have chaired a conference of the parties in relation to this matter to attempt to get some resolution to the difficulties with which we are faced. I again express my real concern that industrial action did take place in spite of the recommendation that was issued by myself on 18 March. I also reiterate my concerns which were expressed in the recommendation that agreements that apparently were reached and confirmed in correspondence between the parties on 1 and 2 November of last year appear now to be in question. That is of real concern.

PN2

If agreements are reached, they should properly be conveyed to the constituents who are involved in the terms of any agreements, and if that is not done, that is not the fault of the other party. Mr Kennedy on behalf of the union has indicated, in the conferences today and earlier on the record, that the union is prepared to meet today with representatives of the Company with a view to trying to resolve these issues, and I think there is value in such meetings taking place.

PN3

While that is occurring, I again strongly recommend that no further industrial action take place over these issues, and that the talks proceed without duress. In order to try and keep some order during these negotiations, and in an endeavour to establish a proper basis for agreement making, I intend to order a compulsory conference for 4 pm here in the Commission tomorrow afternoon. At that conference I expect representatives of the Company, noting that Mr Katz, Ms Robertson and Mr Motteram have been present in earlier proceedings and will be of value in that conference.

PN4

On the other side, I would expect that representatives of the union, and in particular it would be more than helpful to have Mr Curnow and Mr Thow, together with Mr Kennedy, represent their organisation at that conference. In addition I would wish to see as many as is practical of the members of the NUW employed at Thomastown and involved in these disputed matters. As I say that conference will be convened at 4 pm tomorrow afternoon. In the meantime, if talks are successful in terms of resolving the matters between the parties, I will leave it up to the parties to convey that to the Commission, and if it is not necessary for the conference to proceed it will be then cancelled. The Commission stands adjourned.

END OF EXTRACT