Senator Eric Abetz

Strike action by maritime unions in the oil and gas sector is evidence that Labor’s so-called ‘Fair Work’ industrial laws are failing, according to Senator Eric Abetz.

“Julia Gillard must step in and stop these outrageous strikes. Action is needed yet all the Minister seems to be interested in is cheap shots about mouse pads and living in the past” said Senator Abetz.

“The strikes this weekend are over Maritime Union demands for wage increases of $90,000 per year – on top of their existing salaries of $130,000. This is exactly the type of behaviour that the Minister assured us would not happen under her new laws”.

“The Minister has the power to step in and stop this outrageous activity under ‘section 431 of the Fair Work act 2009’. I call on her to stop this action and bring some certainty back to this sector” said Senator Abetz.

Under Labor’s ‘Fair Work’ laws, bargaining must happen in “good faith” which requires the parties to act reasonably and fairly.

“Julia Gillard, do you think an increase to wages of $90,000 per year is reasonable and fair?” asked Senator Abetz.

“If the answer is no, she should step in and stop this action. If not, it will be a signal to the rest of the union movement that the ‘fair work’ laws are nothing more than an open invitation to go their hardest in the most outrageous way possible”

 “The Minister has failed in her attempt to re-educate the workplace about Labor’s new scheme and no amount of throwing bucket loads of money at the problem, including a further 10 million dollars handed over yesterday  to ‘Union Education Australia’ can hide the fact that her new laws were hastily thrown together and ill-conceived”.

Ms Gillard, rather than taking cheap shots and blaming everyone else for the mess Labor has created, just get back to work and fix the problem”.