Boeing Dispute Update 4

This followed similar addresses by Unions NSW Secretary John Robertson and federal member for Newcastle Sharon Grierson MP on Monday, 6 June 2005.

The message of all speakers to AWU members was fairly straightforward - stick together collectively and bring Boeing to the negotiating table where fair and reasonable outcomes can be achieved.

Despite the heavy-handed tactics of Boeing, AWU members forced out of the gates to RAAF Base Williamtown should feel comfortable in the knowledge that the whole of the AWU is behind them in their struggle with a large multinational company.

AWU members should also feel proud of the fact that they have remained steadfast and disciplined in their collective approach throughout the past four months.

Many thanks go to the AWU officials, John Robertson and Sharon Grierson for their continued efforts at bringing this important issue to the attention of senior Boeing management, union leaders and federal parliamentarians.

More importantly, however, is the thanks that goes out to the AWU members themselves, and to their families. Your commitment to the struggle will see you prevail in the end.

"Focus Group" Outcomes

Employees of Boeing have been told to expect the finalised offer of Boeing in the very near future.

Whatever the outcome is, two things remain clear, namely:-

ˇThe TRP and the "Focus Group" process have been independently criticised by the AIRC for not being transparent; and

ˇBoeing is only raising the negotiating benchmark against itself.

Engagement of Industrial Mercenaries by Boeing

Not only have AWU members at Williamtown been effectively stood down, but to add insult to injury Boeing have now directed employees from its Amberley operation in Queensland to cross the picket line and undertake work on F/A-18's.

The AWU issued a flyer to all Amberley employees last Wednesday calling for them to respect the democratic rights of AWU members at Williamtown to employ lawful industrial action to bring Boeing to the negotiation table for a collective certified agreement.

SHAME on those who put their own self-interest ahead of the rights of their fellow workers at Williamtown.

The term "mercenary" is appropriate to these people - it is defined in the Oxford Dictionary as "1. a. & n. working merely for money or other reward; hired."

Interestingly, the definition does not make mention of working for a just, fair and democratic principle, like the AWU members at Williamtown are.

Contact Details
AWU National Office
Ph:  (03) 8327 0888
Fax: (03) 8327 0899
members@awu.net.au
http://www.awu.net.au/