The rank and filers of the Municipal Employees Union, condemn the recent belligerent and aggressive economic blackmail on the citizens of New South Wales, by the Australian Services Union, the Bus and Tram Union, and the Transport workers Union. It is an absolute disgrace that a minority, should attempt to intimidate a government by incurring great expense, both financial and in terms of health by causing disruption to Australia’s major city.

The A.S.U. and the Bus and Tram Union Claim that this attack on the community is in the public interest and that they are interested in providing a service.

Tell this fairy tale to 90% of commuters who prefer to use a machine, than be attended by a surly , churlish and bad tempered station attendant who projects the attitude that we should be thankful to pay him a wage , well above the average , just to be rude and ignorant to the client.

They talk about traveler safety, these Unions are on record as stating that they are not employed to protect the public

On the other hand, the Minister has stated that there are no job losses, only a restructure, those little men behind the glass, will be required to get out on the platform and attend to the needs of the customers. Not hide behind the fridge.

As for the Transport Workers Union, one needs not to be reminded about the past behavior of these mavericks.

Why ? Well, we all drive on the roads and freeways , and we would venture to state that there would not be one person in this state , who has not felt intimidated by being tailgated by some bully boy in a big rig.

This government must act now. It must not let the law of the jungle prevail. We must not go back in time to constant and daily disruptions to our lives.

The safety issues presented by the Unions, are just a red herring and an excuse for the union hierarchy to self promote themselves.

The community should collectively condemn these treasonable actions by a small but aggressive and belligerent section of out community. We should demand that the legislation already in place, be implemented to the nth degree.

There is no room for this behavior or intimidation of the community in a civilized society.

It must be stopped!

Release ends 29 September 1999