This is a transcript of PM broadcast at 1800 AEST on local radio. Trade Unions are claiming a big victory today. The Industrial Relations Commission's ruled that the Victoria based Electrical Trades Union can charge non-union members for negotiating pay rises. They say they want to stop so-called free loaders from getting the benefit of pay rises. The Federal Government describes it as industrial blackmail and compulsory unionism.
Unions describe it as justice for free loaders.
Dean Mile from the Victorian based Electrical Trades Union says it's about free enterprise. The Union has successfully negotiated an 18 per cent pay rise and the Industrial Relations Commission agrees that non-union members should pay for the service. We've been able to build up a very strong union presence in the industry where these agreements and the bargaining agents fee applies and to be able to deliver an 18 per cent agreement over three years plus many other benefits and that flows on to all other agreements which are in excess of six per cent. You've got the runs on the board and when you have that I think you've really got a right to say well if you benefit you should contribute to the cost. They are sick and tired of negotiating job security, better wage rises and better health and safety and the people who are not in the union get a free service.