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    21 June 2012| last updated at 10:57AM

    Council to join unions in Fairfax fight



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    SYDNEY: The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) will join the unions representing Fairfax Media employees to oppose the company sacking thousands of workers, the nation's peak union body said on Thursday.

    ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said the unions did not accept the announcement by Fairfax that the company would cut about 1,900 positions across all areas of its operations.    

    Along with the unions, the ACTU will tell a hearing at Fair Work Australia on Thursday that the company has breached its legal obligation to consult workers on major business changes, including redundancies, China's Xinhua news agency reported.

    "The company has not met its obligation to discuss the planned job cuts with staff before they went in and wielded their axe, which is in breach of their responsibilities," Oliver said.    

    "We are extremely concerned that Fairfax failed to consult about the changes and the redundancies, and showed no respect for its workers," he said.    

    Oliver said he would also seek an urgent meeting between Fairfax Chief Executive Officer Greg Hywood and unions representing the workers.    

    "Fairfax must commit to consult with their staff from now on, and stop breaching their agreements," he said.    

    Oliver said he would also seek a meeting with Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten and Communications Minister Stephen Conroy to discuss Fairfax Media's plans.   -- BERNAMA

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