The Latest From The Campaign

PSA INDEPENDENT VOICE
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Thank you very much to all the members for the overwhelming support that we have received so far. We have received hundreds and hundreds of emails, phone calls and even letters from members who support what PSA Independent stands for.

PSA members across SA have told us of the need for change in our union – but time is running out – unless your ballot is posted by Tuesday 30 My 2006, your vote will not be counted. If you have not received a ballot paper, or you need a new one, please call AEC Returning Officer Stephen Gordge on 8375 7124 NOW!

ASO members are in a privileged position; we are the only members in this election who actually get a choice about whether to put up with more of the same from the McMahon Team, or vote for a change for the better who will stand for:
ü Regular member meetings- you will actually get a say!
ü More organisers on the ground-not just at election time
ü A little less conversation; a little more action-a genuine campaign on wages and job cuts
ü Union money to be spent building the union-not wasted on endless research and boosting Jan McMahon’s media profile
ü A more representative union-we will actually consult with members
ü Work with other unions to build a united front against John Howard’s unfair Work Choices legislation.

We have been heartened to see the strong support amongst members for this approach. The choice is clear: if you want more of the same, re-elect the McMahon Team. If you thin our union needs an independent voice, we ask for your support.

In the last 3 weeks we have been fortunate to meet members across a range of workplaces, and really listen to the issues that matter to you. Across metropolitan sites, we heard about how petrol prices have swallowed up last year’s pay increase and how important it is to get a decent increase in our next pay agreement. In Port Pirie, we hear from members who told us about their anger at facing a further round of restructuring and job cuts in an already depressed labour market.

A CLOSE ELECTION

This election is going to be very close, every vote will count and we need your vote to ensure an independent voice on PSA Branch Council. Branch Council is the governing body of our union; it makes ALL the significant decisions of the union. Without your vote the McMahon team will hold all 29 positions on branch council; there will be no independent voice on branch council and all decisions will pass without debate or transparency.

DIRTY TRICKS

PSA members may have received a flyer in the mail last week from our opponents claiming that in arguing our case for change we have circulated “defamatory material’. At Independent Voice we take this to be the most serious of accusations.

Let’s be absolutely clear – The McMahon Team have accused us of lying to you in the material we have produced. If this were true, we would not be entitled to ask for your support in our campaign to reform the uion. You can see why this is very serious for us!

We have written a comprehensive response to these claims at our website http://www.psa-independent-voice.blogspot.com/. We have included a copy of the letter of demand from The McMahon Team, which we hope will give you a laugh.

Clearly, we stand by all the claims we have made. We will not be silenced by threats of defamation action.
The McMahon Team has also lodged a complaint with our employer in an attempt to gag us. Leaving aside the appalling lack of union principles shown by running to the boss for protectiion from the democratic process in a union election, it also reveals what is wrong with the current leadership.

Instead of the needing protection from a debate amongst members about the future of our uinion, a genuine leadership would actually encourage it.

The McMahon Team candidates for Branch Council in Electorate 5 (your electorate) also showed their keeness to stifle discussion when all 9 of them refused to participate in the only candidates forum planned during this eleection. Why didn’t they want to face the members to defend their actions?

For how to vote PSA Independent Voice Click Here: http://www.psa-independent-voice.blogspot.com/2006/05/how-to-vote-psa-independen_114774885318260325.html

If you require more information about PSA Independent Voice, please visit our website http://www.psa-independent-voice.blogspot.com/, or you can contact us on independent-voice@aapt.net.au or phone 0414 411 526

Yours in unity
Marie Boland James Mc Comb Graham Warren John Kirkham
Candidates For PSA Branch Council