Fed: Workers branded un-Australian

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2001
Fed: Workers branded un-Australian

Federal coalition backbencher ROSS LIGHTFOOT says the Tristar strikers are un-Australian,
while Labor Senator PETER COOK has cast doubt over any immediate resolution to the dispute.

Senator COOK says any settlement between 350 Tristar Steering and Suspension workers
and the federal government must be honourable, otherwise it will unravel.

But Senator LIGHTFOOT says the 14-day strike, which has crippled the car industry,
should never have occurred.

Under the entitlements scheme, workers facing lost payments from bankrupt employers
can receive up to $20,000.

Labor has attacked the scheme, claiming the $20,000 cut-off prevents workers from accessing
all of their entitlements.

Liberal Senator ALAN FERGUSON says he hopes workers will abide by the Australian Industrial
Relations Commission decision to rule the strike illegal after 3pm (AEST).

Union leaders and employees, who face heavy fines if they ignore the ruling, will meet
at midday today to consider ending their action.

AAP RTV lm/ns/jas p

KEYWORD: CARS SENATORS (CANBERRA)

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