New report shows quality of workers’ family life is getting worse: businesses and govt do more
03 August, 2010 | Media Release
A new national approach by businesses and governments is needed to improve work-family balance for employees.
The Work and Life Index 2010 released today shows the quality of family life for more than two million Australian workers is getting worse.
The report shows the proportion of full time workers reporting dissatisfaction with their work and family balance has increased.
Working women are the most unhappy with one in four saying they are dissatisfied and Gen X males (those aged 29 to 49) have the longest working hours and worst work-life balance compared to other men.
Launching the Index today, ACTU President Ged (pronounced ‘Jed’) Kearney said working Australians are under too much pressure at work and families are suffering as a result.
“The pressure of work, casualisation and a lack of job security means workers are under enormous stress and their families are suffering.
“It’s getting harder, not easier for working people and this is having a negative effect on children, our families and the whole Australian community.
“This report is a timely reminder that we work to live, not live to work.
“In this election it is important to also remember that the Coalition has a terrible track record on supporting working families.
“The former Howard Government’s WorkChoices took away the right of parents to request flexible work arrangements and undermined family-friendly award conditions such as penalty rates for weekend work, overtime and public holiday pay.
“Labor’s new Fair Work IR laws have only been in operation a year. They have restored the right for employees to request family-flexible arrangements and provide a solid basis for further improvements in awards and national employment standards to help working families.”
Contact Details
Mark Phillips
Ph: 0422 009 011
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