IBM cans union talks, possible strike action - News

To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu

--------------------------------------------------------------
This story was printed from ZDNet Australia.
--------------------------------------------------------------

IBM cans union talks, possible strike action

By Rachel Lebihan, ZDNet Australia
May 29, 2001
URL: http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/soa/IBM-cans-union-talks-possible-strike-action/0,139023165,120225005,00.htm

IBM may face more strikes after it turned its back on talks which union officials hoped would result in a new enterprise agreement for workers.

"It would be unfortunate if members have to resort to strikes again, but we are committed to getting a positive result," the Community and Public Sector Union's Stephen Jones, said.

About half of the 3500 employees at IBM Global Services Australia (IBM GSA) working on a Telstra contract are original Telstra staff and are covered by a separate agreement to those who joined IBM GSA at a later date.

IBM has notified the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) by letter, after six months of negotiations, that it's unwilling to discuss the issue of putting all the workers under one enterprise agreement.

"They're refusing to talk about an agreement that would cover all workers at IBM GSA working on the Telstra contract," Jones told ZDNet.

"We don't believe there are any grounds why IBM should be treating some employees as first class and others as second class citizens."

Staff who aren't covered by the original enterprise agreement, don't enjoy the same conditions of employment as other employees, according to the CPSU.

"We believe they're not getting as good a deal."

The CPSU is planning a counter-attack that it says involves national and international action, including linking up with IBM worker organisations around the globe.

"They're taking a keen interest in what is going on in Australia," Jones said.

"We aren't put off by the fact that IBM is multinational. With the advent of the Internet and growing disquiet about outsourcing and globalisation, companies like IBM can no longer treat their workers or the public with arrogance."

IBM GSA sacked 60 employees last month sparking a four-day strike by workers before a more worker friendly redeployment agreement was reached.

IBM GSA was contacted for comment.