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About: IR News
News and background about industrial relations in Australia.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Summary of IR changes
The Federal Government wants to take away most of your basic rights at work. On 1 July 2005 the Federal Government took control of the Senate, giving it a majority in both houses of Parliament. For the first time since he became Prime Minister, John Howard's government will be able to pass whatever laws it likes without checks or balances. This will continue until at least the next federal election in 2007. One of the first things it will do with its new Senate power is take away most of your basic rights at work. The Federal Government plans to: 1. Abolish unfair dismissal protection for workers employed in companies with less than 100 staff The Government is attacking job security. It wants to:
This means 99 per cent of private sector employers - around 4 million working people - will be able to sack their workers unfairly, not even giving them a reason for being sacked. 2. Allow employers to put workers on to individual contracts that cut take-home pay and reduce employment conditions to only 5 minimum standards The Government wants more employees pushed on to its AWA individual contracts to allow employers to:
Workers who refuse to sign may fear being sacked. 3. Change the way minimum wages are set to make them lower The Government wants minimum wages in Australia to be lower. The minimum wage is now $484 a week ($12.75 ph). But the Howard Government has said minimum wages should be at least $50 a week lower than they are now. The Howard Government wants:
This will reduce the living standards for many people who are only just keeping their heads above water. 4. Replace the award safety net with just five minimum conditions Most of the minimum pay rates and working conditions we take for granted are guaranteed in State or Federal awards, which also underpin workplace agreements. The Government wants:
5. Keep unions out of workplaces and reduce the capacity for workers to bargain collectively with their employer The Government wants to make it harder for unions to protect and represent working people. The Government wants to:
The Howard Government's plans will affect everyone's right to get help when they need it. 6. Reduce the powers of the independent Industrial Relations Commission The Industrial Relations Commission is a unique Australian invention. This independent body has provided working people with decent work rights. The Government wants to weaken the powers of the independent umpire in the workplace - the Industrial Relations Commission, by it from setting minimum wage rates or considering new award conditions. All it wants the Commission to do is fine unions and their members. Taking away the role of the independent umpire is a recipe for more disputes and lower workplace standards. Authorised by G Combet ACTU 393 Swanston Street Melbourne 3000 Download more info: |