9 November 2005
WORKCHOICES - RIGHTS OF VULNERABLE WORKERS STEAMROLLERED?
The details of the Australian Government’s Industrial Relations reforms were finally tabled in the Federal Parliament on Nov 2nd. The draft WorkChoices Bill and accompanying notes totaled more than 1200 pages, however time to debate the Bill in Parliament is very limited. For example the Senate committee appointed to review the Bill has invited submissions from the public but the deadline for such submissions has already passed.
One wonders why the legislation is being pushed through Parliament in such haste at a time when the electorate is distracted by a concern over possible terrorist threats.
Prior to the tabling of the bill a saturated media advertising campaign promoted its alleged benefits, however the key concerns relating to the relative bargaining strengths of employers and employees appear not to have been addressed.
Some of those concerns were highlighted by Polmin in a Senate submission where it was pointed out that the changes clearly strengthen the position of the employer whilst putting people in positions where they may be forced to bargain for conditions such as penalty rates and public holidays or risk losing their jobs.
PolMin also expressed concern that the changes will leave low paid and unskilled workers vulnerable to exploitation, which will have the effect of driving wages down and increasing the pool of working poor.
The plight of outworkers under the new legislation was highlighted in a separate submission from Fairwear
Fairwear is concerned that the range of laws and award provisions built up over many years to protect vulnerable outworkers from exploitation, will not be maintained under the new provisions. This is likely to happen given that under the legislation outworkers will be deemed to be 'independent contractors' rather than 'employees' without the corresponding rights and entitlements, but who will be 'free' to enter into contracts for as little as $3-$4 per hour. As most outworkers are migrant women with limited English skills and financial resources they are extremely disadvantaged in the new workplace regime.
Those attending this weeks 'Justice in the Pub" were provided with extensive information about this issue by guest presenter Daisy Gardener from Fairwear. Daisy also spoke about the ongoing Fair Schoolwear campaign which aims to involve students and school communities in the campaign to ensure their school uniforms are made in non-sweat-shop conditions. Details of this campaign can also be found at the Fairwear website.
Fairwear is also looking for supporters to assist in their participation in the rally against the Industrial Relations reforms next Tuesday. Those interested in holding banners etc are invited to meet at 9am at the Cnr of Swanston St and Collins St.
One wonders why the legislation is being pushed through Parliament in such haste at a time when the electorate is distracted by a concern over possible terrorist threats.
Prior to the tabling of the bill a saturated media advertising campaign promoted its alleged benefits, however the key concerns relating to the relative bargaining strengths of employers and employees appear not to have been addressed.
Some of those concerns were highlighted by Polmin in a Senate submission where it was pointed out that the changes clearly strengthen the position of the employer whilst putting people in positions where they may be forced to bargain for conditions such as penalty rates and public holidays or risk losing their jobs.
PolMin also expressed concern that the changes will leave low paid and unskilled workers vulnerable to exploitation, which will have the effect of driving wages down and increasing the pool of working poor.
The plight of outworkers under the new legislation was highlighted in a separate submission from Fairwear
Fairwear is concerned that the range of laws and award provisions built up over many years to protect vulnerable outworkers from exploitation, will not be maintained under the new provisions. This is likely to happen given that under the legislation outworkers will be deemed to be 'independent contractors' rather than 'employees' without the corresponding rights and entitlements, but who will be 'free' to enter into contracts for as little as $3-$4 per hour. As most outworkers are migrant women with limited English skills and financial resources they are extremely disadvantaged in the new workplace regime.
Those attending this weeks 'Justice in the Pub" were provided with extensive information about this issue by guest presenter Daisy Gardener from Fairwear. Daisy also spoke about the ongoing Fair Schoolwear campaign which aims to involve students and school communities in the campaign to ensure their school uniforms are made in non-sweat-shop conditions. Details of this campaign can also be found at the Fairwear website.
Fairwear is also looking for supporters to assist in their participation in the rally against the Industrial Relations reforms next Tuesday. Those interested in holding banners etc are invited to meet at 9am at the Cnr of Swanston St and Collins St.
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