ALA

OFFICE OF THE
COMMISSIONER FOR PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT www.nt.gov.au

MEDIA RELEASE
Date: 6 October 2008
Embargo: Nil

COMMISSIONER URGES TEACHERS’ UNION TO RETURN TO NEGOTIATIONS

The Commissioner for Public Employment Mr Ken Simpson is urging the Australian Education Union to return to negotiations for a new teaching workplace agreement.

“The AEU is refusing to negotiate new pay and conditions because they don’t agree with the decision of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to stop their three day strike plans”, Mr Simpson said.

“The Commission agreed the strikes were too disruptive to year 12 students’ education. The AEU does not want to acknowledge that the decision does not stop them from negotiating.”

Mr Simpson said. “The AEU knows I have important matters to put to them that I think address their concerns, but they won’t meet to discuss them. I have offered to meet several times.”

The AEU is this week appealing the Commission’s decision to suspend the bargaining period which prevents protected industrial action from occurring before 20 November.

Mr Simpson said. “Whatever the outcome of that appeal, there is nothing stopping the AEU continuing to negotiate a new agreement.”
END

For more information:
Ken Simpson
Commissioner for Public Employment
Tel: 8999 4104
Web: workplaceagreements@nt.gov.au