2018-03-21
Greens support ACTU workplace rules push, will introduce key legislation to tackle insecurity and work/life balance
Greens employment spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today gave in principle support to Sally McManus’ call to ‘change the rules’ to protect working people from insecure work, stagnant wages and the erosion of fundamental rights.
Next Monday, Mr Bandt will introduce key legislation into the House of Representatives; the Fair Work Amendment (Tackling Job Insecurity) Bill 2018 and the Fair Work Amendment (Better Work/Life Balance) Bill 2018, which will tackle rising job insecurity by giving casual and rolling contract workers the power to convert to secure employment and give working people an enforceable right to more flexible working arrangements, respectively.
“When teachers have to work at Bunnings over the summer break because they’re on short-term contracts, the system is broken,” said Mr Bandt.
“Insecure work is damaging people’s lives.
“I am thrilled that the union movement is making job insecurity a priority and they have the Greens’ support.
“The Greens have been trying to get job security laws changed since 2012, but neither Labor nor Liberal have come on board.
“Next week, the Greens are taking steps to change the rules by tackling job insecurity and giving people an enforceable right to better work/life balance.
“Labor, instead of sitting on the fence on job insecurity and work/life balance, has an opportunity to join with the Greens to change the law and tip the balance back in favour of working people.
“Sally McManus’ call to ‘change the rules’ is long overdue and the Greens look forward to examining the details of the proposed reform plan.”
Media contact: Gideon Reisner, 0429 109 054
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