FED: Reith denies endorsing unethical behaviour

AAP General News (Australia)
04-27-2000
FED: Reith denies endorsing unethical behaviour

Workplace Relations Minister PETER REITH has denied endorsing unethical behaviour by
public service workers involved in enterprise negotiations.

The ACTU and the Community and Public Sector Union have condemned Mr REITH over a departmental
manual which gives advice to public service workers involved in enterprise bargaining.

The unions say the manual is unethical because it encourages public service workers
to be dishonest in negotiations.

The controversial elements of the manual first came to light at a Senate committee
hearing in February, when Labor demanded it be withdrawn.

But Mr REITH today said the manual has been around for years and the fact that the
manual is descriptive, does not mean the government or the department condones particular
behaviour.

Mr REITH says the government has been unfairly criticised over the document.

But ACTU secretary GREG COMBET says the manual advises departments to make false demands
and threats to discredit the opposing side, and to provide statistical misinformation.

AAP RTV nd/sb/wz/jn

KEYWORD: MANUAL (SYDNEY)

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