F76/ 68
FOR PRESS 14th April, 1976.
There have been consultations today involving myself, Mr. Hawke
and Mr. Egerton from the A. C. T. U. and Mr. Polites of the
National'Employers Policy Committee and with reference to
representatives of the Wool Brokers and the Storemen and Packers
Union. The Government and those parties directly involved in the
consultations would hope that a resolution of the existing
situation in the wool industry could be expedited along the
following lines:
1. It is'accepted as arguable whether the men have been stood
down or are on strike.
2. The Wool Brokers have withdrawn the stand down notices and
work is available on existing award conditions.
3. Coxitinuity of employment will be preserved for all those
who resume work.
4. Relevant termination conditions will be applicable where
it is determined that men have been retrenched and do not
wish to resume their previous employment.
There is acceptance of the scope for negotiation on the
question of sick leave and rest pauses in the industry.
6. It is accepted also that the dispute over bale weights will
proceed within the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission
with an independent report being prepared by Dr. Ferguson of
the University of Sydney.
7. It is noted that the unions will subsequently be seeking a
conference with the dumping companies on their container
claims.
8. It is noted that the wages claim of $ 9.10 per week is to
be the subject of a hearing before Mr. Commissioner Heagney
next week.
9. The Government is prepared to assist the parties in any way
including participation in any discussions which might be
considered appropriate.
-2-
To this end the Government requests the parties to confer
as soon as possible on the basis of these points with a
view to an early resumption of work and I have asked the
President of the Conciliation and Arbitration Commission
Mr. Justice Moore to chair such a conference. It will be
held at 9.30 a. m. tomorrow. It would be open to any party
to discuss any of the points covered above and the
Government would have no objection to such discussions.
OoO---