Maintenance workers at the world famous Sydney Opera House are picketing opera-goers after being told they have to sign a non-union contract that strips them of up to $20,000 a year .... or face the sack.
US multinational United Group Services, has told the workers, including 38-year veteran, Steve Tsoukalas, who helped build the globally recognisable icon building , that they had to take the pay cut, and turn their backs on the union , if they want to keep his job.
The new maintenance contractor, who won the tender from the Sydney Opera House Trust, which is controlled by the NSW state Government, has taken an antagonistic attitude to the existing workforce.
They have already said they won't re-employ the union delegate or an injured staff member who is on light duties as part of a return-to-work plan.
The company has offered the remaining eight workers ongoing employment; however it is only on the condition of signing an Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA) which involves accepting a significant pay cut.
The workers and their union, the CFMEU, have a collective agreement with the current contractor, Lucas Stuart, who is to be punted by Opera House management in favour of the US multinational.
This multinational - United Group Services - is crying out for the workers to accep a pay cut while they are expected to post a 2005-2006 annual net profit of more than $70 million
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