The Public Sector Strike Curtailment Act (Voting on Amendment)

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I need to read more on this - but I believe every employee should have the right to collective bargaining and the right to strike in certain circumstances. In relation to public sector workers, many deal with issues of life and death and it would be ridiculous to ignore that reality.

I will formulate a more concrete position soon.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

While I don't support mandatory union membership as part of employment, I also don't support the organisation bringing on replacement staff specifically because they are non-union staff.

To the amendment NAY

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Firstly, the suggestion that public-spirited emergency/front-line service workers would willingly risk lives is a bit of an insult. Secondly, the only thing I will support is ensuring that there is a proportion of the work-force, say 15-20% who must remain on duty, even during a strike. However, maybe some restrictions during times of war or significant natural disasters.

Really? Two-weeks notice for a strike ballot?

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I'm going to look at some further amendments - but I'll vote AYE on this one.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Sorry for interrupting,
But, the idea that 20% of the work-force shouldn't be able to go on strike is uncommonly silly. That would simply KILL the public sector unions. Do you realize that???

I shall think Cassius would not be the saddest person if that happened

Anyway, this version I like far better than the first version. I would like to see the one week in 1c possibly reduced to three days; and I really don't like the 20% rule.. As Windjammer said, what would be the point of striking in the first place, and secondly, how would these people be determined?

I really like the new clause 3. Such a board is a great idea, as appropiate measures of talking are very succesfull in lowering the number of strikes. In Austria we have an institution called the "social partnership", which is basically like a union of employers in one sector talking with/against a union of employees in one sector. We never have strikes, I cannot remember a single strike in Austria in my lifetime, but one teachers and students protest march on the afternoon last year (which I proudly participated in )

My issue is that I don't believe that public sector employees should be excluded from their rights as workers. But at the same time, balance the need for those public sector employees who are essential front-line workers to respond in times of crisis.

The 20% number was just thrown up to see if there's a way to cover both concerns.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

I don't really see what's wrong with letting private sector firms use ABAC if they want to. It's in everyone's interest to avoid strikes, and if the private sector management and unions want to negotiate, the government should provide a place where that can happen.

As the nations legislature, I'm comfortable with us making calls on public sector unions, but I'd prefer that any kind of private union issues be handled in a separate Bill if required.

The amendment recognises that the elements of the public sector workforce have a role in ensuring public order, health and security.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

AYE

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

AYE

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Oh come on TNF....

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

NAY

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

Motion for a final vote.

I second Senator Bore's motion.

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

AYE

[Fmr President & Senator Polnut]

AYE