Northern Territory News
NT Labour Attacks on Workers Declared Illegal
The Australian Industrial Relations decision that Territory teachers have been illegally prevented from striking is another body blow to the Henderson Government and its embattled Education Minister, Marion Scrymgour.
"The fact the AIR has found the Territory Government tactics are too extreme for the Workplace Relations Act is profoundly embarrassing for a Labor Government," says Terry Mills, Leader of the Opposition.
"It's little wonder teachers are furious at a Government willing to resort to unfair legal procedures to prevent industrial action.
"This Commission decision also means the Henderson Government, and in particular the Education Minister, must go back to the negotiating table immediately.
"The teachers have indicated that the sticking point in the protracted negotiations is not money but class room resources.
"The Education Minister, Marion Scrymgour, is the correct person to lead negotiations about the need for extra classroom resources.
"I urge teachers not to exercise their re-instated right to strike and the Minister to go the table with a genuine offer."
2008-10-27
