Another report from the frontlines…<\/p>\n
Keep up the great work Cheryl!<\/p>\n
All power to the workers!<\/p>\n
Heinemann’s “negotiating” style<\/a><\/strong>
\nCheryl Cemeljic
\nMonday September 25, 2006
\n[Melbourne IndyMedia<\/strong>]
\nclc73[at]optusnet[dot]com[dot]au<\/p>\nThe current dispute at Heinemann Electric Pty Ltd<\/strong> is the result of a lengthy period of farcical negotiations by management. Even before the current EBA had expired, Richard Ross<\/em>, Heinemann\u2019s general manager, was playing a game of cat and mouse with union delegates who were negotiating on behalf of more than two-thirds of employees.<\/p>\n
Each time Richard Ross dutifully delivered to his employees the redrafted EBA proposals, supposedly reflecting negotiated changes, employees quickly noticed that other clauses were being changed at the same time.<\/p>\n
It appears negotiations were nothing more than a stall tactic, while Freehills<\/strong>, the legal dynamites who helped draft the controversial WorkChoice<\/strong> IR laws, came up with a plan.<\/p>\n
Richard Ross even sent a letter to all employees stating that he was disappointed that negotiations had appeared to fail, as he always kept his door open to anyone who wished to talk. While he relied upon his legal advice, it appears that it has hurt his feelings that workers felt the need to have more experienced and educated eyes check his proposals.<\/p>\n
In a \u201cdoor opening?\u201d move, the managing director of Heinemann\u2019s parent company CBI<\/strong>, Mr Helmuth Fischer<\/em>, made a personal visit to his Australian workforce. At a meeting which was called to attention with a dog whistle personally delivered by Mr Fischer, he asked the Australian workers to please consider the South African shareholder when negotiating its new EBA. He pleaded with workers to not participate in industrial action, claiming it was vital that projects not be effected. One project he cited involved 15,000 chickens. One has to wonder if each chicken had a name, or how long they were meant for this world. Would Heinemann\u2019s switchboards be keeping the little chicks warm in a barn so they could grow and prosper, or merely keep them frozen? One has to wonder why a company which showed such concern for 15,000 nameless chickens, has now shown such lack of compassion for all its Australian human workers.<\/p>\n
In a show of force, Mr Helmuth Fischer concluded his meeting with the phrase, \u201cIf you want a fight, we\u2019ll give you a fight!\u201d I\u2019m sure many employees were left with a warm and fuzzy feeling, and felt encouraged to visit Richard Ross\u2019s \u201copen door\u201d.<\/p>\n
How much longer can the Australian workforce be asked to submit itself to slavery for the sake of foreign [?] dollars? Shame on you Mr HoWARd, for selling your people to the highest bidder.<\/p>\n
If you are in the area, please feel free to visit the picket line at 821 Springvale Rd, Mulgrave. On a good day, there may even be a BBQ.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
A few comments :<\/p>\n
‘Foreign’ dollars or ‘Australian’ dollars: they’re still dollars.
\nFischer is playing a very old game, playing one group of workers (Australian) off against another (South African).
\nBosses are like politicians: you know when they’re lying when they open their mouths to speak.<\/p>\nSee also<\/em> :<\/p>\n
Heinemann & Freehills : Industrial Relations, South African style<\/a> | Cheryl Sings the Heinemann Electric Blues<\/a> | Heinemann : No pay, no safety, and no respect<\/a> | Goodbye, Mr. Campbell<\/a> | Stage one : Denial<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Another report from the frontlines… Keep up the great work Cheryl! All power to the workers! Heinemann’s “negotiating” style Cheryl Cemeljic Monday September 25, 2006 [Melbourne IndyMedia] clc73[at]optusnet[dot]com[dot]au The current dispute at Heinemann Electric Pty Ltd is the result of … Continue reading