REMEMBER WHEN

GOLD COAST BULLETIN Thursday June 28, 1984

ALBERT Shire Council bluecollar workers overwhelmingly rejected strike action in support of a six-month campaign for better conditions.

Workers demanded a 38hour week and nine-day fortnights but 200 men voted against the action and called for further talks with the council.

This came despite a warning from union officials that talks had reached an impassable deadlock.

The vote was taken during a stop-work at the Nerang administration building to consider striking alongside at least eight other shires across the state.

Heated debate lasted for 30 minutes during which one worker took the microphone and pleaded with colleagues to consider families and finances.

This plea led to the strike action being defeated as well as a further proposal to each give $5 a fortnight to help support the families of two sacked Logan council workers.

Australian Workers’ Union South Coast organiser George Amsens said workers were heavily divided.

“That is very unfortunate for yourselves, not for us,” he said.

“It is a shame you cannot pull together with a few ideas and support the campaign. This council … is deliberately splitting those unions involved.”

Meanwhile, the Sydney City Ballet company arrived on the Gold Coast to tour. The show took place at footy clubs and RSLs.

Artistic director Marilyn Jones and choreographer Ray Powell told the Bulletin that audiences in Sydney had welcomed the classical company, including locations such as St George Leagues Club.