Fed: Talks between industry groups and unions underway

AAP General News (Australia)
08-14-2001
Fed: Talks between industry groups and unions underway

Unions and industry groups have entered talks on workers' entitlements in Melbourne
vowing to seek compromise to secure a deal.

But the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union and the Australian Industry Group are
each sticking to their own preferences to secure workers' entitlements in the event of
company collapses.

The talks follow the recent strike at Sydney car components producer Tristar which
brought the country's motor industry to its knees.

AMWU national secretary DOUG CAMERON says it is inevitable that an employer-funded
scheme called Manusafe will become the major scheme in the industry because industry-favoured
insurance bond schemes are far too expensive for many companies.

But industry group managing director BOB HERBERT says introducing Manusafe will throw
the country into disarray and dupe the community by creating new worker entitlements.

The talks are expected to finish early this afternoon.

AAP RTV ac/clr/ldj/jn

KEYWORD: CARS (MELBOURNE)

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.