Bill antagonists on collision course

Press, 9 March 1988, Page 3

Bill antagonists on collision course

PETER LUKE,

Political reporter

The main parties in the State Sector Bill dispute appeared on course yesterday for continued industrial strife.

The Minister of State Services, Mr Rodger, indicated that the bill would proceed substantially unchanged. The president of the Public Service Association, Mr Colin Hicks, has promised more bitter industrial action unless the Government relents.

The P.S.A. has pledged al 24-hour stoppage on Monday, March 14, but Mr Hicks believed State union members could opt for more intense action

later this month. Any changes to the bill must be made by the Parliamentary select committee which is( still hearing submissions. It is possiblei for either the chairman of the committee, Mr Clive Matthewson, or Mr Rodger to make' a public, statement on the proceedings before the bill is reported back to the House. This could 'occur on Thursday, after the Labour Caucus has con-

sidered. possible changes. These proposals are believed to,’ have gone to the Cabinet on Monday: Mr ( Hicks yesterday repeated his call for the bill to be withdrawn, saying that publicity over changes I meant the bill before | the select committee was only some sort of "first draft.” A host of technical changes (has already been identified. But the real issue is (whether the substantive issues highlighted

by the bill’s critics will be altered.

Mr Rodger, while not revealing the proposed changes, has said they would not be substantial, although the bill’s transition procedures would be smoothed.

It is possible .this could include a clearer statement of the carry-over of conditions of employment, and possibly a strengthening .of equal opportunities provisions, i