IN TOUGH TIMES WORKERS NEED MORE PROTECTION, NOT LESS

10 March 2009

SA Unions says the Federal Opposition is utterly out of touch with the Australian community in its bid to stymie the introduction of fairer work laws.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles says Australians - and especially South Australians - voted overwhelmingly to get rid of the previous Liberal government and its odious WorkChoices laws.

"People want protection from unfair dismissal.  They want collective agreements.  They want to be allowed to join and be active in a union."

"Any moves to water down already weak unfair dismissal protections will be vigorously opposed.  We think the Government's Bill is arguably inadequate, as workers cannot challenge dismissal in their first 12 months of employment, and have a mere 7 days to lodge a complaint.  By the time they are aware of their rights, their chance may be gone."

"We contend that unfair dismissal protections should apply after 3 months at the very most.  The time to lodge a complaint should be extended - 7 days is manifestly inadequate.  It is hard to imagine workers coming to terms with their job loss let alone having the chance to seek advice and lodge a complaint in such a short time."

"In South Australia alone, 369,000 have no protection from unfair dismissal.  50% of people here work in businesses with 20 or fewer employees, compared 40% national average."

"While we largely support the federal government's Fair Work Bill, it is just not fair enough.  Two out of three young people (64%) two out of five hospitality workers (41%) and nearly a quarter of small business employees (22%) are excluded from unfair dismissal protections.  It is almost as harsh as WorkChoices."

"The Liberals had their go - and it was comprehensively rejected by voters.  They must not stand in the way of the democratic choice of Australians for a return to a fairer system", Ms Giles says.

"We call on all Senators to give workers the protection they demand, especially with job security more important in these uncertain times of global economic crisis", she says.