FED: BHP won't back down despite strike threat

AAP General News (Australia)
12-04-2001
FED: BHP won't back down despite strike threat

BHP says a strike by BHP Steel workers next week will cost $3 million in lost production,
but will not force a management backdown on workplace reforms.

More than 6,000 workers at BHP's steel operations across the country are planning a
24-hour strike next Monday, after the company refused to back away from forced redundancies.

BHP Steel flat products president LANCE HOCKRIDGE says the company is keen to reach
a settlement, despite a stalemate after four months of talks with unions.

But he says no amount of industrial relations activity will force BHP to change its position.

BHP steelworkers at operations in Queensland, NSW, Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia
and Western Australia will be affected by the strike.

Australian Workers Union national secretary BILL SHORTEN says BHP management is creating
industrial problems by undermining job security.

Mr SHORTEN says the AWU and steelworkers have co-operated with restructure and change
but oppose forced redundancies.

AAP RTV nd/arb/jtb/pc

KEYWORD: BHP STEEL (SYDNEY)

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