Carter, John (SEN)
From:	Deb James [djames@edunions.labor.net.au]
Sent:	Thursday, 18 May 2000 1:00 PM
To:	eet.sen@aph.gov.au
Subject:	copy of email sent to committee senators
18 May 2000

Dear Senator,

Re:	Workplace Relations Amendment Bill 2000

I write to express in the strongest terms the concerns of the Independent
Education Union regarding the Workplace Relations Amendments Bill 2000 (the
Bill) and, in particular, to protest against the processes and time lines
which have established in Parliament's consideration of it.

This Bill goes further than similar provisions in the failed 1999 Bill and
as such require careful consideration.  It was only tabled on 11 May and a
timetable established requiring submissions to a Senate Committee by 22
May, one day of public hearing on 26 May and a report on 5 June.  Such a
timetable does not adequately accommodate the significance of the Bill by
allowing sufficient time for affected parties to respond comprehensively
and with detailed evidence.  Although the IEU intends to lodge a submission
to the Committee, the processes and timelines, in our view, constitute a
denial of natural justice.

The 'pattern bargaining' provisions will have a significant impact upon our
industry.  One example can be found in Victoria where there are over 500
separate employers in Catholic Schools.  The union routinely makes a common
claim for wages and conditions on all of these employers.  Any provisions
which prohibit or restrict this practice or which have the capacity to
penalise the union in the course of negotiating the claim/s by termination
of the bargaining period will be seriously disadvantageous to our members
and surely contrary to the public interest.

Also of very real concern is the proposed 'cooling off' period.  The right
to engage in industrial disputation is fundamental to the bargaining
process.  The new proposals which will enable the Commission to suspend
bargaining periods on the application of a negotiating party will weaken
the bargaining position of employees otherwise engaging in legitimate
industrial action.

This Bill is a re run of provisions which were rejected last year and
should be rejected again.  At the very least, a proper process including a
manageable and fair time line for consideration of the effects of the Bill
should put in place.

The IEU respectfully requests that you give this matter close attention.

Yours sincerely

Debra James    

___________________________________________
Debra James
Assistant Federal Secretary
Independent Education Union of Australia

Ph: (03) 9254 1830
Fax: (03) 9254 1835
Email: djames@edunions.labor.net.au
___________________________________________