27 Apr, 2010
State and Federal Hunter MPs, and potentially NSW Premier Kristina Keneally, have been urged to boycott the opening of Newcastle's new $1 billion coal loader because of a non-union agreement governing its operations.
Newcastle Trades Hall has written to the MPs asking them not to turn out for the official event and photo opportunity on May 3 at the BHP Billiton-backed Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group terminal, in a sign of support of unions' concerns.
It is understood Ms Keneally is at this stage expected to attend, but senior union officials are to approach the Government about the issue.
Trades Hall secretary Gary Kennedy said the infrastructure group's five-year non-union agreement had been registered in the "dying days" of the WorkChoices legislation, despite the region's history of "minimal industrial action".
"We're saying to the politicians, show your support by not going," Mr Kennedy said.
Trades Hall also sought last year the support of the International Transport Workers' Federation.
It is understood Ms Keneally is at this stage expected to attend, but senior union officials are to approach the Government about the issue.
Trades Hall secretary Gary Kennedy said the infrastructure group's five-year non-union agreement had been registered in the "dying days" of the WorkChoices legislation, despite the region's history of "minimal industrial action".
"We're saying to the politicians, show your support by not going," Mr Kennedy said.
Trades Hall also sought last year the support of the International Transport Workers' Federation.
