Productivity and Labour Relations Minister Yvonne Henderson today called on Robe River to allow its sacked workers to return to work in accordance with the Industrial Relations Commission's order.
"Robe River Iron Associates should have had the decency to allow these workers back on site after last week's order, instead of treating the Commission and workers with such contempt," Mrs Henderson said.
"I call on them now to abide by today's order from the independent arbiter."
Mrs Henderson described as reprehensible the company's attitude to the Industrial Relations Commission and to basic workers' rights.
"Where is the democracy in their jackboot actions of summarily dismissing their workers, then ignoring the Commission's rulings?" she asked.
"The workers' rights are supported by law, but this company thumbs its nose at the law and at fairness and decency."
Mrs Henderson said Robe's actions were an indication of how workers would be treated under a Liberal government.
"Victoria's Liberal Kennett government is rushing to force everyone on to individual contracts," she said.
"Now in Western Australia we are seeing a big employer trying to undercut the legal award with contracts which deny the basic right to strike.
"Workers must understand this could become general practice under a Liberal government."
