Sparks still flying in Queensland
Further strike action on Queensland construction sites could be on the horizon with electricians and employers in Queensland still at loggerheads over a new enterprise bargaining deal, according to National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) executive manager, Paul Daly.
Failed negotiations in March between employers and electricians over wage rises ignited a 10-day strike involving up to 1500 electricians across the state, working for more than 100 contractors.
Electricians are seeking a 35 per cent pay rise over three years and have rejected NECA’s offer of an 18.5 per cent increase.
“No further progress has been made after two weeks of assisted negotiations at the Australian Industrial Relations Commission,” Daly said.
The Queensland branch of the Electrical Trades Union refused to comment.
Meanwhile Queensland builders and plumbers, who also downed tools during March after failed enterprise bargaining negotiations, are close to reaching a deal.
Strikes in March brought to a halt about 30 projects, including the multi-million dollar Lang Park redevelopment.
However, builders returned to work after eight strike days when an agreement was reached allowing a four week period of continued negotiations.
Executive director of Queensland Master Builders Association (QMBA) Graham Cuthbert said: “We are making significant progress and are confident that a resolution will be reached before the four weeks is up”.
Builders have agreed to all but one of the major points of dispute and talks now hinge upon the administration of rostered days off (RDOs).
Plumbers pulled out of strike action after one week and are now “pretty close to an agreement”, according to state secretary of the Communications Electrical Plumbing Union – plumbing division, Jorgen Gullestrup.
“Basic agreement has been reached and we are now working through the wording,” Gullestrup said.
21-Mar-2003