Jobsback, one policy, two opinions

First published in Sydney Morning Herald On October 21, 1992

Two profitable Sydney companies have opposing views on the coalition jobs package.

Mr. Roger McKelle (centre) with two of his employees Louise Arnold (left) and Anneliese French at Gleebox. attributed to him:Greg White

Mr. Roger Mackell and Mr. David Gaunt are owners of Gleebooks, a store that employs 15 people. They said yesterday that the move to institution agreements, and the resulting move away from penalty rates, would undermine the value of what Australians cherish – the short weekend.

Mr Mackell said he and his partner understand how important weekends are to Australian society. “We know what our employees give up because we have to do it ourselves,” he said.

He also believed that a neoliberal industrial relations policy would mean the end of syndicalism. “It’s important for workers to protect themselves, and it’s especially important in small businesses where employees are more vulnerable to the whims of their bosses,” he said.

Brian Gray, CEO of Blue Line Cruises with some of his employees on board the Sydney Showboat “We must get the fix.” October 20, 1992.attributed to him:Andrew Taylor

Gaunt said the current system hasn’t stopped them from making a profit. “Our experience is that in the last three years of a bitter recession, we have been able to secure an expansion program that will enable us to move to larger headquarters later this year and hire more staff under the current wage structure,” he said.

Brian Gray, chief executive of small public Blue Line Cruises, also believes the company’s agreements will change the culture of the Australian workplace. But he said it needed to change.

Gray, whose company operates cruise ships for tourists, believes corporate deals are better than prizes.

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Originally published at Melbourne News Vine