WARNING TO PREMIER: UNIONS INTENSIFY STATE BUDGET FIGHT

19 April 2011

South Australian unions are warning Premier Mike Rann to learn the lessons of the New South Wales State election and start listening to South Australians.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles says she is writing to every Government Member of Parliament warning that NSW-style election devastation awaits the Government if they don't start listening to the community.

"Members will receive a pamphlet reminding them that when Kristina Keneally conceded defeat, she said, 'The people of NSW who entrusted us with government for sixteen years did not leave us - we left them." [download pamphlet]

"That's exactly what we're seeing here in South Australia," Ms Giles said.

"This Premier has walked away from working South Australians."

"The last Budget slashed jobs, services and entitlements to South Australian public sector workers like fire fighters, nurses, teachers and ambulance officers."

In particular, the changes to long service leave and holiday leave loading entitlements will hit more than one hundred thousand South Australian working people when they come into effect on 1st July.

"And we've been warned by the Treasurer that there will be more pain to come on 9th June."

In the letter, Ms Giles says that South Australian unions have become increasingly concerned about the policies and direction of this Labor Government.

"South Australian working people feel your government has left them behind and is no longer listening to what is important to them and to the community," it says.

"We are urging your Government to reverse the cuts announced in the last Budget before they come into effect." [full letter]

Ms Giles says the unions' campaign will continue until there is a change in policy direction from the Rann Government.