From pjodsec@iaccess.com.au Tue Jun 4 11:56:27 1996 Date: Tue, 4 Jun 1996 11:10:18 GMT From: Peter ODonoghue To: Delegates & Sub-Division Executive From: Peter O'Donoghue Date: 4 June, 1996 File No:011.20 Subject:No Chops Rallies Colleagues, I bring to your attention detail of the time and location of the rallies organised by the PSU Group in opposition to the slash and burn tactics adopted by the Government with respect to the Public Sector. I apologise for the late notice. However, I would appreciate your assistance in bringing to your members these events. I am sure any presence of CSIRO Division members at the rallies will be welcomed, both as an expression of our sympathy for what is occurring and solidarity with colleagues in other R&D departments and agencies that are confronting enormous cuts, such as AGSO, Antarctic Division, Great Barrier Marine Park Authority, Department of Industry Science and Tourism and the reneging of the election promise to increase higher education research funding by $130 million. As mentioned recently, the R&D community is experiencing considerable uncertainty about possible Government actions. There are clear signs that programs to encourage industry involvement will be abolished or reduced significantly; such as the 150% tax concession, syndication scheme, AUSINDUSTRY and AUSAID. The effect of cuts in these areas will filter through to CSIRO. In consequence, the CPSU has joined with a number of groups (National Farmers Federation, Academies, FASTS, ACF, ETC) to support publicly the maintenance of science funding. As mentioned, please circulate this material and encourage members to lend support if possible. Cheers, Peter. DAY OF ACTION JUNE 6 ACTIVITIES Branch Venue Time Speakers Contact Queensland Emma Miler Place, 12.30pm 1. Claire Moore Roma St Forum, Brisbane 2. Community representative to be advised Claire Moore Branch Secretary 07 3221 0144 (w) 0419 738 972 (m) New South Wales Hyde park North, College St, Sydney. 12.30 pm 1. Wendy Caird 2. Michael Raper (Dept. Director. ACOSS) Vicky Telfer Branch Secretary 02 364 3600 (w) 018 640 187 (m) Victoria Treasury Gardens, Melbourne. 12.30 pm 1. Sue Mountford/Pier de Carlo 2. Representative from welfare organisation 3. A comedian Sue Mountford Branch Secretary 03 9206 2222 (w) 018 104 763 (m) ACT Canberra, Civic Square. Rally followed by march to Department of Industrial Relations and back.(concluding at 2.30) 12.30 1. Names TBA 2. Will feature 'rank and file' speakers' Bronwyn Taylor Assistant Branch Secretary 06 257 4900 (w) South Australia Organising information stall, Victoria Square, Adelaide 12.30 Speakers to be advised Margaret Sexton Branch Secretary 08 304 9222 (w) 041 981 8194 (m) Kate Crispe Assistant Branch Secretary 041 981 8195 (m) Western Australia Perth, Forrest Place. 12.30 1. Jennie George 2. Ian Thompson 3. Representative of community organisation Ian Thompson Branch Secretary 09 227 6557 (w) 041 9912435 (m) Tasmania Hobart, Plaza of Govt Centre, 188 Collins St. Display including information on DEETYA, DSS Telstra and ABC. 11.30 - 2.30 1. To be advised. Matthew Reynolds 002 243 428 (w) (m) Northern Territory Darwin Janet Crews Janet Crews Branch Secretary 08 898 19166 (w) MEMBERS All APS and Related Agencies 3 June 1996 Campaign against Public Sector Cuts.......Update Please join in the union's Day of Action in defence of the public sector on 6 June. Events have been organised in all capital cities and information has been sent out by your CPSU Branch office. It is essential that we make a strong showing on the day, to demonstrate public opposition to public sector cuts, not just in the APS but also Telstra, the ABC and other areas. We have invited other groups to join us, and already have expressions of support. The ACTU Executive has carried a strong motion of support for our campaign. The CPSU has approached the Prime Minister, seeking an urgent meeting to urge the Government not to proceed with the cuts in the public sector. To date the cuts proposed would lead to thousands of jobs being lost. Our approach follows the recent release of projected growth figures for the Australian economy, which show that there is no basis for the claim of an $8 billion "black hole" in the Budget. Prior to the election the Government made public commitments to our members and the public that there would not be an onslaught on the public sector, and that job loss would be around 2500, achieved through natural attrition. Following the election, by using low growth predictions the Government established an environment of panic about the economy, claiming there was a major deficit problem and thereby excusing themselves from pre-election promises. This claim, based on growth predictions of 3.25% was the basis for massive public sector cuts. Now the Government is being advised that growth will be 4.1%, a much more positive climate than the Government suggested and effectively removing the pretext for the cuts. If the Government proceeds with the cuts despite this news, it will be patently obvious that the cuts were planned all along, and that they are driven by an ideology that is anti-public sector. Industrial Campaign Update Our campaign is in place and members are taking action in agencies which are attempting to proceed with cuts which have not been accompanied by an agreement about workload reduction. In many agencies the process of seeking volunteers for redundancy is well under way and we are trying to ensure the process is fair and that members are not being pressured. Our job at this time is to represent the range of differing interests amongst members, to ensure that those who decide to go do so with their rights intact and that those who wish to remain have a reasonable job and workload. Our opposition to compulsory redundancies has already been signalled by members. Building Community Support We have prepared a delegates' kit to assist with local campaigning. This provides some ideas and information to assist with lobbying your local MP, writing to the newspaper and linking with other groups in your region who share our concerns about services and job losses in regional areas. This kit will be sent out from union Branches and regularly updated and we need your help in using it. If we are to turn the Government back from its slash and burn approach to the public sector, we need significant community support and community campaigning will also help put some pressure on local Members of Parliament. Delegates and members are best placed to ensure this work is effective. Authorised by Wendy Caird, Joint National Secretary