Strike action hits "trial" elections

The Australian Electoral Commission's (AEC) preparations for 
the next federal election were disrupted by industrial action 
last Friday, following another breakdown in a long-running pay 
dispute.

AEC staff — members of the Community and Public Sector Union 
(CPSU) — stopped work for three hours, disrupting a "trial 
election". During this important exercise, AEC procedures and 
systems are tested in real time, as though an actual federal 
election was taking place.

Instead, staff staged a mock ballot and election outside the AEC 
building at West Block, Barton (behind Old Parliament House).

CPSU National President, Mark Gepp, said staff regretted having 
to resort to striking.

"This action is not something these workers are taking lightly. 
But after more than 13 months they feel like they have no other 
option. The last time this sort of action occurred in AEC was 
1984. We have been talking with management since September last 
year, yet they are still refusing to address widespread concern 
over the size of the pay rise", said Mr Gepp.

AEC management have offered a three-year deal which would pay 3 
percent on certification, 3.5 percent from July 2004 and further 
4 percent from July 2005. Staff are demanding a two-year 
agreement that delivers at least 4 percent a year.

"Our claim is modest and well with the scope of increases being 
won by union members in other parts of the public sector", Mr 
Gepp pointed out.

"We are not that far apart, and the CPSU remains open and 
flexible about reaching a settlement. The ball is now very much 
in AEC's court. If they are serious about getting people back to 
work and preparing for the next federal election, the way forward 
is clear. Let's finalise this agreement.

The AEC has around 770 staff located in 140 sites around 
Australia.