Published Tuesday, 30 September, 2008 at 02:48 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh
Minister for Transport, Trade, Employment and Industrial Relations
The Honourable John Mickel
BLIGH DIRECTS ACCELERATION OF WAGE TALKS
Premier Anna Bligh has directed an acceleration in public sector wage negotiations to resolve outstanding issues as soon as possible.
Ms Bligh’s comments following a meeting today between Industrial Relations Minister John Mickel and representatives from the Queensland Council of Unions, the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union, Australian Workers Union, CFMEU, ASU and the Queensland Public Sector Union.
“I have requested the Minister for Industrial Relations to personally attend wage negotiations and meet with unions on a daily basis if necessary to hammer out a deal as soon as possible,” Ms Bligh said.
“I have also instructed that other senior Ministers be directly involved in the negotiations in line with their portfolio areas.
“We have offered up to 4% a year over three years which includes service delivery improvements.
“This is in line with other States such as Victoria and New South Wales and we believe it is a fair offer.
“Every one percent wage increase above this amount would costs taxpayers approximately $170 million.
“In these current uncertain economic times it would be financially irresponsible to put our economy in jeopardy.
“We are in the midst of the most significant economic upheaval since the Great Depression and now is the time for careful and prudent economic management.”
Mr Mickel said he was encouraged by the meeting and the commitment by the unions to further negotiation.
He said would he would meet again with union representatives early next week.
“I have listened to the unions and what they want is high-level intervention and quick outcomes.
“ By keeping the communication channel open I am confident we will achieve this and I will meet with the unions on a daily basis if that is what it takes to get it done.”
September 30, 2008
Media contact: Premiers Office (07) 3224 4500
Ms Bligh’s comments following a meeting today between Industrial Relations Minister John Mickel and representatives from the Queensland Council of Unions, the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union, Australian Workers Union, CFMEU, ASU and the Queensland Public Sector Union.
“I have requested the Minister for Industrial Relations to personally attend wage negotiations and meet with unions on a daily basis if necessary to hammer out a deal as soon as possible,” Ms Bligh said.
“I have also instructed that other senior Ministers be directly involved in the negotiations in line with their portfolio areas.
“We have offered up to 4% a year over three years which includes service delivery improvements.
“This is in line with other States such as Victoria and New South Wales and we believe it is a fair offer.
“Every one percent wage increase above this amount would costs taxpayers approximately $170 million.
“In these current uncertain economic times it would be financially irresponsible to put our economy in jeopardy.
“We are in the midst of the most significant economic upheaval since the Great Depression and now is the time for careful and prudent economic management.”
Mr Mickel said he was encouraged by the meeting and the commitment by the unions to further negotiation.
He said would he would meet again with union representatives early next week.
“I have listened to the unions and what they want is high-level intervention and quick outcomes.
“ By keeping the communication channel open I am confident we will achieve this and I will meet with the unions on a daily basis if that is what it takes to get it done.”
September 30, 2008
Media contact: Premiers Office (07) 3224 4500