Unions set for dredge deal

[pies4ever]

Unions set for dredge deal
August 02, 2007

THE $763 million channel deepening project has moved a step closer with key unions calling on the Port of Melbourne Corporation to start negotiating a pay deal for workers.

The Victorian Trades Hall Council and unions covering maritime, construction and transport workers were yesterday updated on the project, which could start as early as January.

The State Government will make a final decision about whether to go ahead with dredging pending the report of an expert panel that is studying its environmental effects on Port Phillip Bay.

VTHC secretary Brian Boyd said unions wanted talks for a memorandum of understanding on industrial relations agreements for the project.

"PMC has indicated it will contact us in the next week on this issue," he said.

"Unions support the general thrust of the project provided the works are done in an environmentally sensitive way."

Mr Boyd has become a key figure in negotiating major projects in Victoria.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,22174453-2862,00.html