BTL's 282 workers who called in sick yesterday were back on the job today.
But not much has changed, as the management still has not met with the union and now they are accused of union busting. 7NEWS learnt and union officials confirmed that BTL management today paid out what they call a special responsibility allowance to 119 employees who showed up yesterday and multi-tasked for their co-workers who called in sick. Each employee was sent a letter thanking them for exemplary team spirit and attached was a check cut for $150.
Union president Paul Perriot told us that the union is aware of the move by management but he believes it will backfire since most employees are donating the money to the union to help with the movement. As to their demands to meet with company execs today, Perriot says the union got a letter from BTL Chairman Dean Boyce begging them to hold off on any other action until Tuesday. The union demanded a meeting with management today but Boyce said management is tied up with the due diligence project. Perriot says the union has yet to decide if they will wait until Tuesday.
Perriot adds that the union met with Labour Commissioner Paul Williams last night. There was no comment from BTL management today.