Vic: Workers blockade gate at Yallourn

AAP General News (Australia)
02-15-2000
Vic: Workers blockade gate at Yallourn

Industrial strife is looming again at the Yallourn power plant in Victoria with union
members blockading the front gate with trucks.

The trouble began this morning when officials from the Construction, Forestry, Mining
and Energy Union were denied vehicle access to the site.

State organiser RODNEY HART says he was due to attend talks with Yallourn Energy management
this morning but his car was stopped at the gate.

About 100 union members met at the gate for two hours to discuss the access issue.

But a Yallourn Energy spokeswoman says the unions were notified a month ago about a
change of policy which - for security reasons - requires people visiting the station to
get permission.

Mr HART says the CFMEU has written to Yallourn management requesting an urgent meeting tomorrow.

And he concedes that management has written to the union about site access.

The CFMEU, along with the Federated Engine Drivers and Fireman's Association and the
Australian Services Union is yet to negotiate a new enterprise agreement at Yallourn.

The Electrical Trades Union and the Australian Workers Union have finalised an in-principle
agreement which includes a 36-hour week and a nine day fortnight after prolonged strike
action by members.

AAP hmg/ra/smf/rp

KEYWORD: YALLOURN (MELBOURNE)

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