Telecommunications staff hints big Australian tie-up

June 2, 1981

Australian telecommunications workers began industrial action which union leaders said would quickly bring chaos to telephone, telex, and other communications. The workers refuse to install or maintain government and business communications, including computer links. Domestic phones will not be affected initially, but the telecommunications unions said they would step up their action in support of raises. One union leader said the action would eventually bring a communic ations blackout across Australia.