The Australian Industrial Relations Commission this morning handed down its decision to reject the Government's application to suspend the bargaining period.  This means that the half day stoppage on Tuesday 5th July will go ahead, and all union members participating in the action, will be protected by the Australian Industrial Relations legislation.

Amongst the reasons for this decision the Commission stated that

"there exists the potential for the parties to reach agreement ..............”

The Commission offered to convene a series of Conferences between the parties and expects the parties to be active participants in these discussions.

CPSU/PSA SSO members are reminded to respect the industrial action being taken by other union members, and not perform work normally done by others during the period of the strike.

CPSU/PSA members who wish to take industrial action and join other colleagues at the rally on the steps of Parliament House at 9.45 a.m. on Tuesday morning, are authorised to do so, and will be covered by "protected action" provisions.

  4 July 2005