An NCR spokesman claimed fewer numbers were affected. "We have about 150 staff service engineers, of that about 50 are taking part; it is confined to NSW, Queensland and SA. NSW is going out for about a week and the others three or four days. We are surprised it is going smoothly, with no hysterical instances and it is pretty good so far."

NCR has sent new proposals to each individual worker. "They have personally been sent a letter with a fresh proposal and we are happy if they involve the union as it is their right. It is in nobody's interest to have a protracted, drawn out thing because it affects everyone," he said. "We have been negotiating in good faith since December -- unfortunately, every offer is met with a new set of claims from the union; by going directly to them we hope to get a swift resolution. We are giving them till March 27 to respond."