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Salient. Victoria University Student Newspaper. Volume 36, Number 4. 21st March 1973

tion of Union Members

[unclear: tion] of Union Members

[unclear: case] the above provisions left [unclear: oles] the government added two [unclear: tions]. One gives the commission [unclear: to] insert an uninterrupted work clause into awards where there is a history of industrial action. Such a clause would prohibit ". . . the engaging in conduct that would hinder, prevent, or discourage the observance of an award or collective agreement or the performance of work in accordance with the award or agreement". The second provision relates to the 'public interest'. If the court feels that the 'public interest' is affected by industrial action it can order a return to work. Again penal provisions apply. Finally there is a special provision for a large number of 'essential industries' (including electricity, freezing works, railways, airways). Under this section any worker involved in the designated industries must give 14 days written notice of intention to strike within a month before striking. The penalty for this 'offence' is an individual fine of $ 150. The Bill also covers employers who may suspend workers affected by a strike, including those not on strike.

If all this doesn't work to the benefit of the employers or government, the Minister of Labour can deregister the union. This power, which has existed since 1939, shows that unions are not free organisations at all, but are dependent for their existence on the whim of government. The Bill also gives the Minister of Labour the power to cancel the membership "of any specified class" of members of a union. This clause had its origins in the seamen's dispute of 1971.