Transport unions OK Bonds-Gvt talks

Date: 28 February 2009

Transport Unions congratulates government for dialogue between Textile Union and Pacific Brands

The Australian Transport Union Federation (TUF) has this morning congratulated the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research for meeting with the Textile Union and the company yesterday as a first step to securing the future of thousands of axed Pacific Brands workers.

TUF's membership includes the Rail Tram and Bus Union, the Maritime Union of Australia and the Transport Workers Union.

Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) National Secretary, Greg Harvey, said the key to finding a solution to this problem is to have the government and the company work with the textile union to promote a viable textile, clothing and footwear industry.

"The Government should do everything it can to keep these jobs in Australia and keep these workers employed," MR Harvey said.

National Secretary of the Maritime Union of Australia, Paddy Crumlin said he welcomed news that the company had agreed to meet with the minister and the unions this afternoon.

"We call on the company to do the right thing by Australian taxpayers, the Government and the workers and work together to keep the jobs in Australia," Mr Crumlin said.

"But if the company does not make the effort we are keeping to our commitment that none of the tax payer subsidised manufacturing equipment will leave these shores. The only thing we'll export is the executives."

National Secretary of the Transport Workers Union, Tony Sheldon said this first meeting is important because there is a clear role for Government to hold companies accountable to their workforce, especially where they have received tax-payer contracts or aid.

"When you've received millions of dollars from the Government you can't just walk away from your obligations to provide decent jobs when you want to make bigger profits," Mr Sheldon said.

"We also need to see an immediate freeze on free-trade agreements. The new ASEAN agreement will see the 17.5 per cent tariff on textiles removed. We are never going to prevent unemployment in this industry by reducing their protection.

"What is free trade when at the day our kids school uniforms are being produced in slave-labour conditions overseas?

"The government needs to take another look at its $42 billion stimulus package, as well as its procurement policy which spends up to $44 billion every year. By ensuring this money is used to provide well-paying Australian jobs they can make a huge difference," Mr Sheldon said.

The Maritime Union of Australia (covering the wharves), the Transport Workers' Union (covering truck drivers) and the Rail Tram and Bus Union (covering Rail) are maintaining their commitment to refusing to move the machinery from any Pacific Brands factory overseas.

MUA National Secretary Paddy Crumlin is available for media at Port Botany Patrick terminal this afternoon at 2pm

Media contact:

MUA Paddy Crumlin 0418 379 660

RTBU Greg Harvey 0413 340 934

TWU Seth Tenkate 0408 463 199.

For further information

Contact:	Paddy Crumlin
Union:	MUA
Phone:	+61 2 9267 9134
Contact Mobile:	0418 379 660
Email:	muano@mua.org.au
WWW:	http://mua.org.au/

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