IT Techs' Strike Hits Australia

March 13, 2006: New South Wales, Queensland and South Australian members of the Australian Services Union (ASU) have withdrawn their labour from employer National Cash Registers (NCR) today.

The IT Technicians are striking for a 3% pay increase versus NCR's offer of 2%. Also underlying the industrial action - which began at 06:30 (local time) this morning - is the fact that NCR is apparently refusing to meet with ASU officials to negotiate contract and pay rate arrangements.

NCR - which recently helped the National Australia Bank to win the Direct Marketing Association's Financial Services Council's "Financial Services Company of the Year" award in Florida - operates 90% of the ATM's operating in Australia. It is also responsible for ticketing at Sydney airport, service contracts in many schools

While the union is widely reported to be bullish about the walkout of 150 workers, NCR's counter claim is that this only represents half the possible workforce. The claims and counter claims are likely to escalate. Sally McManus of the ASU is widely reported that NCR is refusing to return to the negotiating table because: "… they are stalling so they can use the Howard Government's Work Choices law to cut away at wages and conditions".

NCR has not made any further comment as we put this story live.

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