Union bans likely in South Australian forestry dispute

The CFMEU is considering industrial bans and limitations unless the 
state government corporation Forestry SA changes tack and agrees to a 
broader range of demands.

The corporation has offered two 4 percent wage increases and four weeks 
paid maternity leave. The Single Bargaining Unit is awaiting responses from 
Forestry SA (FSA) — but unions who have already received a response are 
unhappy according to officials of the CFMEU.

When the formal responses have been received the CFMEU will determine 
whether to take industrial action. If the responses are not positive then 
action is likely.

The issues of concern are: classifications action and timeframes, real 
parity, fire duties, rectification of lost amounts from previous 
agreements, appropriate increases and sick leave payouts.

CFMEU FFPD SA Branch Secretary Paul Martinella said that the Corporation 
had been getting a good deal from workers but needed to start giving some 
more, rather than being mean and trying to limit the wages that blue-collar 
workers could enjoy.

"Some of the people that run the corporation are on a good wicket but they 
won't give workers a turn with the bat."