NSW ALP Government MPs set to
break their own workers' strike

Greens MP and Industrial Relations spokesperson Lee Rhiannon 
has called on Labor members of parliament to refuse to accept 
mail deliveries by other services, as State Mail Service workers 
launch industrial action to halt deliveries.

The State Mail Service has responsibility for the delivery of all 
Government papers, including sensitive documents such as Higher 
School Certificate (HSC) Exams and police documents.

"All MPs and parliamentary staff have just received a letter 
telling us that industrial action has gone ahead and no more 
deliveries will take place from the State Mail Service", said Ms 
Rhiannon.

"This strike is a result of State Government's plans to sell off 
its mail and printing division, which currently operates out of 
the Department of Commerce*.

"MPs were notified in an email today (May 19) that alternative 
arrangements are being made through Australia Post to deliver any 
mail the State Mail Service won't.

"Not only is this Labor Government hell-bent on privatising 
public assets, but it also has no qualms about breaking a strike 
by its own workers.

"What leg do workers have to stand on now that the Minister for 
Commerce, Mr Della Bosca is also the Minister for Industrial 
Relations? The only hope is for all Government MP's to refuse to 
stand up to this attack on workers and to not accept any affected 
mail.

"The three Greens MPs are contacting all State Labor MPs asking 
them to oppose the privatisation of the State Mail Service and to 
refuse deliveries by anyone other than the Service's own 
workers", said Ms Rhiannon.

* * *

*The Department of Commerce was the result of a merger after 
the 2003 State Election of the former Department of Industrial 
Relations, Information Technology, Fair Trading and Public Works. 
When the Department merged the new Director-General, Kate 
McKenzie said, "the recent changes will not affect any existing 
initiatives or services."