DIRTY TRICKS DESERVE A STRONG AND UNITED RESPONSE 

 Late this afternoon, PN sent a notice under section 471(4)(c) of the Fair Work Act stating that it would not pay or accept work from members that take protected industrial action. 

PN have said if you refuse to take a train out because it does not have the notified safety gear “Pacific National will not accept the performance of any work by you until such time as you are prepared to perform all your normal duties”. This is effectively a lock out where PN will pick and choose members to target. 

Pacific National needs to know that underhanded tactics will be met by members head on. PN have played their hand and it will be met with strategic, united and effective action. 

Because PN have taken this step, members are entitled, under section 471(4A) of the Fair Work Act, to take retaliatory Protected Industrial Action without notice by simply not attending for work until PN withdraw the notice they sent this afternoon. 

On that basis, we recommend that from 0001 hours tomorrow morning all members covered by this Agreement do not attend work for an indefinite period, i.e. You withdraw your labour and DO NOT ATTEND WORK. Importantly, members have NO OBLIGATION to notify Pacific National that you will not be attending work and you are NOT OBLIGED to accept calls from managers. 

This is LAWFUL PROTECTED INDUSTRIAL ACTION, and PN is prevented from taking any action against you on the basis that you refuse to attend for work. 

Pacific National did not need to order a lock-out – they’re gambling with your future and dignity. 

Your EA Bargaining Representatives are due to negotiate with Pacific National before the Fair Work Commission tomorrow at 1pm at the Hunter Workers Building in Newcastle. We encourage all members to join your bargaining team and send a strong message to Pacific National that their dirty tricks will not be tolerated. 

Members will have the opportunity to speak directly to the PN team behind this low tactic and ask them why they don’t respect their workers. 

Members who cannot attend in person should direct their comments and enquiries to Kate Alam, PN Head of Workplace Relations, at Kate_Alam@pacificnational.com.au. 

We invite all members in Newcastle and the Hunter to come along to the front of the Hunter Workers building tomorrow at 12 noon. Come and personally ask Kate Alam and the rest of PN management (who are still getting paid) why they have ordered a lock-out. 

Hunter Workers – 406 to 408 King Street Newcastle (Opposite Wests City / Old Workers Club) 

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