SENATE LEAVES WORKERS EXPOSED

TONY BURKE MP.
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3 years ago
SENATE LEAVES WORKERS EXPOSED
TONY BURKE MP
The Morrison Government has teamed up with One Nation to ensure employers can rush through cuts to workers’ pay and conditions without giving them time to properly consider or consult on the changes.

Labor sought in the Senate to disallow the dangerous new Government regulation that slashes the consultation period for changes to enterprise agreements from seven days to just one day, robbing workers of an important protection.

Under this regulation – announced without any consultation last month – employers are already telling their workers about proposed changes to agreements one day and forcing them to vote the next, giving them no time to consult colleagues or unions.
 
Critically, this regulation can be used by any employer, not just those experiencing a significant downturn as a result of coronavirus.
 
Originally, any changes made under this regulation were to be permanent. The Government now says any changes will expire after 12 months.

While this is an improvement – and it never would it happened were it not for Labor’s disallowance motion forcing them to the negotiating table – it’s not good enough.
 
Workers should not be forced to vote on proposals that can cut their pay and conditions without a chance to consult. It leaves them dangerously exposed.
 
This regulation was a lousy move that has undermined the tremendous goodwill and cooperation we have seen between employers and workers since this crisis began.
 
Labor will continue to fight any government attempts to use the crisis as an excuse to attack and diminish workers’ rights.
Employment