Aussie Official to Unions: Don't Be Greedy in Wage Demands

Aussie Official to Unions: Don't Be Greedy in Wage Demands

Monday, April 11, 2011
Asia Pulse Pte. Ltd.

Australian Resources Minister Martin Ferguson says workers' unions should not be greedy in their wage demands for workers at oil and gas plants.

A reported 30 percent jump over two-and-a-half years in the cost of hiring an offshore welder, for example, was not a sustainable rate, Mr. Ferguson said.

That kind of wage rise had already placed pressure on the offshore building industry and unions should heed some advice, he said.

"Don't kill the golden goose," Mr. Ferguson told ABC Radio on Monday.

"We are talking about a sector of industry that is now exceptionally well paid and we've got to see a stronger commitment - and I've raised this with industry - to apprenticeship training."

Mr. Ferguson was the president of the peak national union body, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, between 1990 and 1996.

He said both sides had to accept a dampening in the spiraling cost of wages and accept "a bit of give and take".

Mr. Ferguson said take-home pay wasn't the only factor to be considered.

"There are far more important issues such as training young Australians in creating long-term career opportunities through decent apprenticeships," he said.

"The wage increases that have occurred in offshore construction are unsustainable.

"Industry knows it, the commonwealth government knows it and some sections of the union movement know it."