Vic: Disability carers' union threatens strikes

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-2001
Vic: Disability carers' union threatens strikes

The union representing Victorian disability care workers says industrial action will
worsen unless the state government begins meaningful talks.

About 160 disability carers in Melbourne's northern suburbs stopped work for three
hours this morning as part of a carers' push for better pay and a reduced workload.

A handful of workers at the Forensic Disability Facility, home to intellectually disabled
criminals, also stopped for three hours from 4am.

Health and Community Services Union state secretary LLOYD WILLIAMS says today's stopworks
are part of a continuing campaign by carers for an eight per cent pay rise, improved safety
standards and training and reduced workloads.

Mr WILLIAMS says the carers will consider striking and the union start an advertising
campaign in Victorian marginal electorates unless the government moves to end the dispute.

AAP RTV ac/mh/jas

KEYWORD: DISABILITY (MELBOURNE)

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