NSW:Maritime workers to decide on Oprah strike

AAP General News (Australia)
12-13-2010
NSW:Maritime workers to decide on Oprah strike

SYDNEY, Dec 13 AAP - NSW Maritime workers locked in a pay dispute are yet to decide
on possible action which they say would disrupt filming of the Oprah Winfrey Show in Sydney.

Unions are due to hold discussions at 10am (AEDT) on Monday about whether they will
stop work for 24 hours after wage negotiations with NSW Maritime broke down.

If the action goes ahead, workers will not deploy the buoys necessary to ensure the
exclusion zone at the Opera House remains in place during the filming of the two shows
on Tuesday.

Paul McAleer, Maritime Union of Australia Sydney branch secretary, said the exclusion
zone and safety of the harbour will be compromised if the action goes ahead.

The workers are seeking a 15 per cent wage increase over three years and an improvement
in worker conditions.

NSW Maritime deferred negotiations several times last week, despite having government
approval for a wage offer and to negotiate on conditions, Mr McAleer said.

AAP bzs/rs

KEYWORD: OPRAH STRIKE AM UPDATE

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