Antarctic staff frozen out by AWAs

Date: 13 March 2006

Staff getting the cold shoulder

Antarctic expedition staff have been exposed to the cold reality of WorkChoices - and they need your help.

It didn't take long for management at the Department of Environment and Heritage (DEH) to embrace the icy spirit of Government's new industrial laws. In an extreme move, DEH bosses are trying to exclude Antarctic expeditioners from a new collective agreement and force new starters onto Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) from July 1st. These staff undertake year long scientific research missions to Antarctica.

CPSU National Secretary Stephen Jones says: "This case shows clearly how the Government's WorkChoices laws actually remove choices for employees. For these brave workers there will only be one choice - sign an individual contract or forget the job. Existing expeditioners fear this move will undermine morale in an environment where team-work keeps you alive.

"DEH's claim the change will ensure 'competitiveness' while giving staff the final choice. But in our view, forcing new staff to sign AWAs and excluding them from a collective agreement, is a mockery of freedom-of-choice. Where are the real choices for new Antarctic expedition staff?" Mr Jones asked.

Antarctic expeditioners need your help
Complete this  on-line protest letter and tell DEH management to stop giving expeditioners the cold shoulder. At the same time, you'll be demonstrating valuable support for employees in one of the toughest workplaces on earth. Antarctica may seem a world away, but WorkChoices means you too may be feeling the chill in your workplace soon.

Have Your Say  on-line protest letter

Dear sir

I am concerned at the Department of the Environment and Heritage's proposal to exclude Antarctic expedition staff from coverage of the certified agreement after 1 July.

I believe that all employees deserve a real choice concerning their working conditions.

If you really believe in individual choice, you should change your proposal and give staff a real choice between an AWA and the certified agreement. 

Background Click here for background information

For further information

Contact:	Stephen Jones (National Secretary)
Union:	0417 261 152
Phone:	Media officer
Contact Mobile:	Dermot Browne
Fax:	0408 265 081

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