Divers strike at the NSW Government's desalination plant

The Wombats just received this, via Warren Smith at the MUA:

Dear Comrade,

The Divers at the NSW Government's desalination plant project have decided to go on strike in protest of the fact that they are the only workers on this site that are not covered by a union collective agreement. To make matters worse the MUA delegate on site was just recently sacked after raising safety concerns.

The employer Dive Construction Services (aka Dempsey Industries) have refused to negotiate with the MUA for a collective agreement. This company insists on utilising WorkChoices even after the Australian people have overwhelmingly rejected this anti-worker set of IR laws.

Divers on site have determined that they must take a stand to stop the continued erosion of diving wages and conditions. Diving is an extremely dangerous occupation and the rates of pay and conditions for this work (particularly at the desalination plant) are completely out of step with community standards for work of this nature.

The Divers have established a picket line at the desalination plant site at Port Botany.

It can be found on Friendship Rd. Port Botany at the Molineux Point end. Look for the flags.

The picket will begin at around 7am Monday March 3rd.

See the attached file which is a graphic demonstrating the location of the picket line.

Your assistance in supporting the divers is greatly appreciated.

We will send out more information as this struggle progresses.

In Unity

Warren Smith

Branch Secretary
MUA Sydney