Page 2206 - Week 07 - Thursday, 16 June 1994

ON THE STATISTICS OFFERED BY THE FEDERAL MINISTER, NEARLY HALF THE

WORKERS COVERED BY FEDERAL AWARDS HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED

ENTERPRISE BARGAINS. IN STARK CONTRAST, THE PROPORTION OF STATE AWARD

WORKERS COVERED BY ENTERPRISE AGREEMENTS UNDER STATE LAWS IS

MINUSCULE BY COMPARISON.

THE SIMPLE POINT MADE BY MINISTER BRERETON, IN HIS CHARACTERISTICALLY

BLUNT WAY, IS THAT THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS PROCESSES CAN BE REFORMED,

BUT PROPER REGARD NEEDS TO BE PAID TO THE FACT THAT SUCCESSFUL CHANGE

REQUIRES A CLIMATE OF SECURITY AND CONFIDENCE. TO CREATE FEAR AND

UNCERTAINTY WILL MEAN RESISTANCE AND ANTAGONISM TO ANY MOVE AWAY

FROM EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS.

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