ALP leave gaps in Industrial Relations

The Press Club address today by Minister Gillard on the ALP's planned changes to the industrial relation system was notable more for what it left out, rather than what was actually said, say the Australian Greens.
 
"Most of the speech was merely re-stating the Government's policy, when what the community really needs is the detail," said Australian Greens Industrial Relations spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert.
 
"Why did the Minister not mention the "flexibility agreements" being mandated in awards and collective agreements? Essentially this is the continuation of AWAs by another name."
 
"Why was the Minister silent on the rights of unions to enter workplaces to meet with members and ensure compliance with relevant agreements and standards? It is essential that this is guaranteed to protect vulnerable workers from exploitation," said Senator Siewert.
 
"Why didn't the Minister acknowledge her 'tough rules' on the legitimate rights of workers to industrial action are merely a continuation of Work Choices?"
 
"We were, however, pleased to see the Minister announce that the Government is intending to provide some protection from unfair dismissal and introduce the new bargaining framework from 1 July 2009," said Senator Siewert.
 
"The Australian Greens will be subjecting this legislation to close scrutiny when it comes to the Senate. We will be pushing to provide fairness where the Government fails."
 
"The Government's proposed scheme has to measure up against international standards to ensure that adequate rights, responsibilities and a decent standard of living are guaranteed to all Australian workers," she concluded.
 
For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180
senator.siewert@aph.gov.au  |  www.rachelsiewert.org.au  | www.greensmps.org.au