ACTU - Latest News

Employers stuck in past and must catch up to values on equal pay for women

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Employers must move on from old-fashioned ideas about women’s work and make a genuine commitment to overcome the 18% gap between men and women’s pay.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said mean-spirited employer groups who immediately attacked yesterday’s landmark Fair Work Australia ruling on pay equity for social and community sector workers had had shown their true colours and would prefer women were paid unfairly than catch up with modern values.

“Are employer groups really advocating that we stay in the dark days where women were treated as second class workers?” Ms Kearney said.

“It is an absolute shame that on the day when we see the end of decades of undervaluation of the work in the sector dominated by women, employer groups are acting as if the sky is going to fall in.

“With comments such as this is a “disturbing” decision that needs to be “quarantined”, business is clinging to outdated ideas of the past that devalue the role of women in the workforce.”

Ms Kearney said suggestions the ruling affecting social and community sector workers would lead to a flood of fresh claims in other sectors was nothing more than scare-mongering.

“This case, led by the Australian Services Union in conjunction with other unions, was a very complicated one, which took two years to run,” she said.

“You cannot just cut and paste the decision into other sectors. However, where there are injustices occurring then of course those injustices should be addressed.

“The Fair Work Act replaced a draconian set of laws that took away the rights of Australian workers.

Yesterday’s ruling is a clear indication of why we need good, fair laws in place so that all Australian workers can receive fair pay and conditions.

“This shows the equal remuneration provisions in the Act are delivering on the promise of equal pay, which is a workplace right and a human right. Equal pay was endorsed by the Federal Labor Government well before yesterday’s ruling, fully awarding its share of the funding, with a $2 billion commitment.

“Now those state and territory governments who have not already committed to their share must do so.

And employers must also commit to this decision because the reality is Australia has moved on from old-fashioned ideas of women’s work.

“Fair Work Australia recognised gender played a part in the lower pay rates of community and social workers compared to public sector workers, so employers simply cannot keep singing from their same old tired songsheet.”

Fair Work Australia’s ruling will mean social and community sector workers will receive pay increases of between 23% and 45% over the next eight years, beginning on 1 December. The pay increases will phase in at between 2.5% and 5% a year, depending on salary level.

Unions form alliance with Jack Thompson Foundation to improve job outcomes for Indigenous Australians

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A new partnership between unions and the Jack Thompson Foundation will aim to deliver better outcomes for Indigenous Australians through new skills and job training opportunities.

ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence, who announced the partnership alongside renowned actor Jack Thompson in Melbourne today, said the alliance would empower indigenous Australians and their communities, through a strengthened skills base within local communities.

“The Jack Thompson Foundation is already doing fantastic work in this area, training young indigenous people in construction trades so that they can use their skills to build homes in their local areas,” Mr Lawrence said.

“We know how important it is to ensure we have a skilled workforce, which means the needs of communities are met, but also so that individuals have a chance to contribute to their communities and to earn a living.

“Unions have long been committed to improving the outcomes for our indigenous Australians and just last year developed the Indigenous Action Plan 2011-13, which includes a focus on improving employment opportunities.

“The Action Plan is consistent with Australian unions’ commitment to justice, rights for all workers and a more equal society.

“Our values align closely with those of Mr Thompson and his foundation, so when we had the opportunity to create an alliance with the group, we immediately agreed.”

Mr Lawrence said one of the partnership’s immediate goals would be to secure more apprenticeship opportunities for young indigenous Australians.

“The partnership will work closely with unions in the trade and education sectors to explore training pathways for young people in remote communities,” he said.

“We will also investigate secondment opportunities for trade training mentors into remote townships where Jack Thompson Foundation projects are being undertaken.”

Mr Lawrence said the partnership would consult closely with Indigenous communities in developing all projects and their aims.

Mr Thompson said: “Partnerships with all Australians are the way forward in closing the gap of disadvantage. By working together, all Australians can work to help impoverished communities seek a better life for their children and their communities.

“This partnership with the ACTU is exciting and it is essential for the ongoing achievement of the Jack Thompson Foundation’s aims, to provide trade-recognised skills that will enable remote Indigenous communities to house and support their needs now and into the future”.

Equal pay justice for social and community sector workers signals historic day

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Today’s ruling by the full bench of Fair Work Australia on pay equity for social and community sector workers is a landmark in the fight for equal pay for women.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said the decision ended decades of undervaluation of the work of women in the sector.

“Unions worked hard to fight this case on behalf of 150,000 Australian workers who do this very important, yet clearly undervalued work,” Ms Kearney said.

“This is an historic decision on the path to pay justice for women.

“The decision to properly value the work of the majority female workforce who look after the homeless, the disabled, refugees, domestic violence victims, children at risk and other vulnerable people in our society is a credit to workplace reforms introduced by the Labor Government.

“The Fair Work Act replaced a draconian set of laws that took away the rights of Australian workers.

Today’s ruling is a clear indication of why we need good, fair laws in place so that all Australian workers can receive fair pay and conditions.

“This shows the equal remuneration provisions in the Act are delivering on the promise of equal pay, which is a workplace right and a human right. But the ruling would not have been possible without the dedication of community sector workers and their unions in the face of staunch opposition from employers.

“However, the reality is this decision can only flow through to the pay packets of these workers if all governments contribute their share.

“The Federal Labor Government has shown enormous leadership here, fully awarding its share of the funding, with a $2 billion commitment. Now those state and territory governments who have not already committed to their share must do so.

“It is not okay to pay one group of workers less than another doing work of comparable value and today’s ruling merely confirms this.

“This is difficult and demanding work, yet this female-dominated industry is one of the lowest paid in Australia because it has been historically viewed as ‘women’s work’.

“This has been a major reason why the gender pay gap remains at 18%, despite the right to equal pay for equal work being enshrined in law several decades ago.”

Fair Work Australia’s ruling will mean social and community sector workers will receive pay increases of between 23% and 45% over the next eight years, beginning on 1 December.

Howe Inquiry swamped with stories and submissions about insecure work

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

More than 450 workers, unions, community and other representative groups have lodged a submission with the Independent Inquiry into Insecure Work in Australia.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said the overwhelming response to the inquiry, chaired by former Deputy Prime Minister Brian Howe, showed insecure jobs were clearly a major concern for Australian workers and their families.

The inquiry began taking submissions in November. They closed last Friday, after they were extended due to enormous public interest.

Ms Kearney said 412 workers had told of their individual experiences in insecure work through its website, and almost 60 organisations had also lodged submissions to the inquiry. More submissions will be received in coming days after further extensions were granted.

“The Howe Inquiry is one of the most important investigations into the changing nature of Australian work in recent times, with the use of casual, fixed or short-term contracts, and labour hire almost doubling in the last two decades to make up about 40% of the workforce now,” Ms Kearney said.

“The submissions will provide valuable evidence for the inquiry panel to consider the impact insecure work has on people’s ability to plan for their future, to make ends meet and to spend time with family and friends.

“The Howe Inquiry is investigating all of these issues and it is important that we hear from as many in the community affected by insecure work as possible.”

Mr Howe said the Inquiry panel was delighted with the number of submissions, which provided insights into the impact of insecure work on individuals and on families, as well as providing policy recommendations from unions, community organisations and other workplace representatives who deal directly with the consequences of insecure work.

“The submissions provide a depth of knowledge and understanding about this issue that has not been explored in Australia before, and we look forward to investigating the issue and exploring policy solutions through hearings around Australia that begin next month,” Mr Howe said.

Hearing dates in capital cities and regional centres will be announced shortly.

Ms Kearney said that many business and employer groups and other representatives have been vocal in their campaign to remove workers’ rights, yet when given the opportunity to provide evidence to support their claims, they were silent, choosing not to lodge a submission to the Howe Inquiry.

“Despite our open invitation to all sectors, business and employer groups were missing in action during the submissions process. These organisations can hardly complain about the Howe Inquiry when they chose not to have their voices heard,” she said.

Submissions will be available at securejobs.org.au from this afternoon.

Jobs must be protected if Australia is to ride out global economic uncertainty

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Employers must pull out all stops to protect Australian jobs and not take a gunshot approach to addressing global economic challenges.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said it was becoming too easy for employers to cut jobs in response in response to overseas uncertainty in the economy.

Ms Kearney said today’s announcement that Toyota would cut 350 local jobs was another blow to both the manufacturing sector and to the Australian economy.

“We know this year will be challenging on many fronts because of the instability in the economy throughout Europe and other parts of the globe,” she said. “Australia is better placed than almost any other developed nation to ride out the challenges from overseas, thanks to the Labor Government’s strong economic management during the Global Financial Crisis three years ago.

“But if employers start slashing jobs at the first sign of difficulty then Australia cannot get through the current challenges unscathed. A strong economy is dependent on jobs growth which will sustain demand.”

Ms Kearney said support for the car industry and the manufacturing sector was an investment in protecting jobs into the future.

“We know the Labor Government is committed to protecting jobs across the sector, but it is time Tony Abbott stands up to be counted on whether he believes in the future of manufacturing and Australian jobs,” she said.

“The Liberal Party campaigned against Labor’s economic stimulus program during the GFC so Mr Abbott must tell Australians whether he is still opposed to supporting jobs and working Australians. Australia already has a multi-speed economy and if the manufacturing industry is not supported then the gap between the mining sector and the rest of the country will be widened.

“Manufacturing is a key strategic industry which contributes billions of dollars to exports, tax revenues and the economy, employs hundreds of thousands of people, and contributes to skills and technology development.

“Industry assistance is provided for reform and restructure, and is backed by unions and business groups alike. Jobs losses hurt families and individuals, they do long-term damage to communities and they blunt the economy.

“The reverberations will be felt for a long time to come so employers must think carefully about the long-term consequences of their actions. It is only January and already this year we have heard of around 1000 job losses in the banking sector and ongoing turmoil within manufacturing.

“It is time for cool heads and a considered approach so that Australia can ride out this year’s economic storms in the same good shape in which we survived the Global Financial Crisis.”

Australian workers will benefit from greater transparency of superannuation funds

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A Productivity Commission inquiry into default superannuation funds in modern awards will shed welcome light onto the relative performance of industry and retail funds.

ACTU Assistant Secretary Tim Lyons said there should be transparency about the performance and operation of superannuation funds in awards so that workers can be sure which fund delivers the best savings for them.

Mr Lyons said unions had long supported not-for-profit industry funds against retail funds because they had consistently provided better returns and greater value for workers.

We have always advocated for full transparency of the system so that workers can make an educated decision about where they invest their retirement savings,” he said.

“This inquiry will again clearly reveal just where workers’ savings go, how much of their superannuation funds are eaten away in fees and which funds deliver the best returns.

“We are pleased that this inquiry will seek to develop suggested ongoing criteria for superannuation funds wishing to seek default status in modern awards to be assessed on an ongoing basis, to ensure they continue to meet the best interests of their members.”

Mr Lyons said the inquiry would lead to a more transparent and open system, which all funds should welcome.

“Unions in partnership with the Labor Government established universal superannuation for Australian workers two decades ago,” Mr Lyons said.

“The industry super fund model was set up with one clear objective: to deliver the best financial outcomes for their members, by returning a greater amount into their savings, rather than into the profits of the fund.

“Industry super funds have consistently provided better savings returns for workers, with lower fees and higher earnings than the retail funds.

“The only funds with anything to fear from this inquiry will be those retails funds that overcharge their members through exorbitant fees.

“Greater transparency means those funds will no longer be able to get away with their high costs and that can only be a better outcome for working Australians who trust superannuation funds with their hard-earned savings for retirement.”

Mr Lyons said the inquiry, along with the Government’s commitment to increase the Superannuation Guarantee to 12%, would go a long way towards ensuring more Australians had adequate savings for retirement.

Australian Government must act in wake of Fiji’s renewed clamp on human and labour rights

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Australian Government must consider economic sanctions against Fiji’s military regime in the wake of new laws that place even greater restrictions on human rights in the island nation.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said a new decree quietly introduced by the Fiji Government was even more draconian than past laws, with anyone who campaigned for workplace rights able to be considered a terrorist and placed in jail indefinitely.

“Just two weeks ago Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama spruiked the removal of the draconian Public Emergency Regulations (PER), which banned public meetings and freedom of the press, as part of his desire to encourage free debate in the lead up to democratic elections in 2014.

“But Mr Bainimarama seemingly forgot to add that he had concurrently introduced another set of laws that give his illegal Government sweeping powers of arrest and detention without a warrant and for 16 days. Under the new laws, ‘terrorism’ is redefined to cover any act that is seen to be campaigning to influence the government towards change.

“This essentially means that a Fiji worker or union leader that asked the ACTU or Australian Government to pressure the Fiji Government to change its draconian ways would be guilty of an act of terrorism. That person may be imprisoned for life.

“This new decree is even more draconian and places even more restrictions on the rights of Fijians than past laws. The Australian Government cannot turn a blind eye. We renew our call to the Australian Government to reconsider its recent decision to renew a textile, clothing and footwear scheme with the Fijian Government under a regional trade agreement.

“The agreement which gives unfettered access to the Australian market – the largest market for Fijian textile products –merely legitimises an oppressive regime that has persistently flouted human rights in the face of international and local opposition.”

The new decree also includes:

A ban on the manufacture, use, sale, display or possession of any flag, banner, emblem or picture if the Prime Minster deems it in the public interest to do so;
An application to hold a public meeting must be submitted to the police seven days in advance, with a possible five years imprisonment and $10,000 fine if the meeting occurs without a permit;
Control over freedom of movement, including where a person may travel or live in Fiji, at the discretion of the Government;
Empowers a police officer to arrest a person without warrant and detain him or her without charge for up to 16 days by order of the Prime Minister and enables the military to perform police function, by the consent of the police;
Further curtails freedom of speech, with any person who makes any statement, likely to undermine Fiji’s economy or financial integrity to face 10 years imprisonment and/or a $50,000 fine; and
Quashes the role of the judiciary, with the courts unable to hear any claim by anyone challenging the validity, or legality of any decision made by the commissioner of police, any divisional police commander, the Prime Minister or any public official under this decree.

Speak Up for health and safety: new campaign begins to inform workers of their rights

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

A new national awareness campaign begins today to inform workers of their rights and employers of their obligations under harmonised health and safety laws.

Australian unions have launched the Speak Up campaign so that workers have a say in making sure their workplaces are safe and healthy.

ACTU Assistant Secretary Michael Borowick said it was important that workers understood they would have enhanced rights to elect their own health and safety representatives under the harmonised occupational health and safety (OHS) system that begins in most states and territories today.

“Workers need to know that when they are confronted by a health or safety issue in their workplace, they don’t have to deal with it alone,” Mr Borowick said.

“They have an iron-clad right, under law, to elect their own health and safety representatives. These reps act as watchdogs within the workplace, making employers comply with the law well before regulators have to become involved.

“They have rights to stop work and demand improvements when there are health or safety concerns.

“Employers who interfere with the work of health and safety reps, or refuse to allow them to properly represent their workmates, are breaking the law.

“Importantly, unions can offer a wealth of expertise, know-how and training to back up those reps, and make sure they can perform the roles they have been elected to, and to provide workers with assistance to make their own workplaces safer.

“Health and safety is a fundamental industrial issue and a major priority for unions, who have a long and proud history of delivering healthier and safer workplaces for Australians, frequently in the face of employer and business resistance. Over the last 160 years unions have campaigned tirelessly to reduce injury and illness within the workplace, and many of the current rights and conditions have been fought for and won by unions.

“It is no coincidence that workplaces with a union presence are far more likely to be safer than those without unions. Collectively, with the support of a union, workers are far more able to speak up about health and safety than they can individually.”

Alongside the distribution of Speak Up campaign materials in workplaces around Australia, a new website www.safeatwork.org.au has also been launched.

The website will be a hub of information for workers and OHS reps about common health and safety issues, rights and obligations, tips for safer workplaces, legislation, and news. Workers will also be able to post questions about health and safety and get advice from union experts.

Renewed trade agreement with Fiji risks legitimising an oppressive regime

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Australian Government’s decision to renew a textile, clothing and footwear scheme with the Fijian Government under a multi-lateral trade agreement will do nothing to improve the lives of lowly paid Fijian textile workers.

The agreement which gives unfettered access to Australia’s markets – the largest market for Fijian textile products – will merely legitimise an oppressive regime that has persistently flouted human rights in the face of international and local opposition, said ACTU President Ged Kearney.

By extending the South Pacific Regional Trade and Economic Co-operation Agreement (SPARTECA), the Australian Government is putting the theoretical benefits of free trade above the everyday intimidation, harassment and oppression of real people in Fiji, she said.

The trade agreement means better profits for textile businesses in Fiji who operate in an environment where draconian laws in Fiji are being strategically implemented across the economy, denying workers’ rights, keeping wages unfairly low and flouting basic democratic freedoms.

The textile industry in Fiji has a poor history of anti-worker lobbying, opposing minimum wage increases and applying for exemptions for having to pay any wage rises its workers were entitled to.

The industry also has a poor track record on labour and safety standards and claims by the industry of playing an important role in alleviating poverty are masking serious cases of exploitation of Fijian workers.

“The agreement signed in the so-called interests of textile industry in Fiji merely subjects its workers to further entrenchment of human rights violations as such an agreement legitimises and protects the Bainimarama regime,” Ms Kearney said.

“It makes an absolute mockery of the Australian Government’s so called stance against the illegal government’s rule.

“This decision is in stark contrast to the stand the Australian Government has taken on excluding Fiji from regional negotiations on a new trade agreement until there is a return to democracy and human rights in Fiji.”

The ACTU and the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia will be calling on all businesses, operating with or within Fiji, to demonstrate clearly to Australian consumers that they are not profiteering from the plight of textile workers in Fiji.

Michele O’Neil, National Secretary of the TCFUA said: “This decision does nothing to support workers either here in Australia or Fiji. Clearly the Federal Government has listened to business leaders to profiteer from an increasingly isolated and oppressive Government.”

Ted Baillieu is the Grinch who stole Christmas from Victorian workers

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Victorian Premier Ted Baillieu is the only Australian leader to deny workers a public holiday to compensate for Christmas Day this year falling on a Sunday.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said Mr Baillieu was behaving like the Grinch who stole Christmas, forcing Victorians who have to work Christmas Day to do so for far less compensation than their counterparts in the rest of the country.

“In every other state, workers will get an additional public holiday, while in Victoria workers will have to go to work for the normal Sunday rate,” Ms Kearney said.

“This means not only will these Victorian workers miss out on spending one of the most important days of the year with family and friends, but they will not even be compensated fairly.

“Also, Victorian workers ordinarily rostered to work on a Sunday cannot refuse to work on Christmas Day for family or religious reasons, unlike in other states.

“Christmas Day should be declared a public holiday in every state and territory to protect all employees and provide consistency and certainty.

“It would be in the interests of both employers and employees if there was a uniform approach in all states and territories so that the Sunday was treated as a public holiday for those who had to work on it, with an additional public holiday the following Monday.”

Ms Kearney said the ambiguity surrounding Christmas Day and weekends was settled in all other states and territories last year, by them having the sense to declare an additional public holiday in such circumstances.

“Despite the fairness shown across the rest of Australia, Mr Baillieu is prepared to go it alone and be the Grinch who stole Victorian workers’ Christmas,” she said.

“It is totally unfair that workers in Victoria can be forced to come into work on Christmas Day. No-one wants to see a nurse, waiter, kitchen assistant or convenience store worker being forced to come in on Christmas Day because they cannot afford not to.”

Ms Kearney said if 25 December was prescribed as a holiday, awards and agreements clauses would ensure public holiday penalty rates would be paid on the day.

“As a matter of principle, we think that all employees working on Christmas Day should get some form or penalty rate, to compensate them from time away from their family and friends, and time spent working on a day that everyone else enjoys off,” she said.

“But the most important thing is that by declaring 25 December to be a public holiday, under the National Employment Standards workers would be able to refuse to work on Christmas.”

Fair Work review is an opportunity to dispel employer myths and strengthen workers’ rights

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Next year’s review of the Fair Work Act must not become a forum for employer grandstanding, and unions will take a strong interest to ensure the voices of working Australians are heard and that their rights are strengthened.

ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence said unions would actively participate in upcoming review, which would serve an important role in dispelling employer-generated myths about the Fair Work Act.

He said the review of the Fair Work Act will be among a number of important issues on the table for unions as they focused on improving workers’ rights at work into the new year, including through the modern award review and the ACTU’s ongoing Secure Jobs. Better Future campaign.

“The employer-led campaign against workplace rights has been building all year, but the review of the Act will expose their self-interested campaign of misinformation for what it is,” Mr Lawrence said.

He also welcomed the Government’s appointment of Reserve Bank Board Member John Edwards, former Federal Court Judge Michael Moore and prominent academic Professor Ron McCallum AO to conduct the review.

“Each of the three experts selected are highly respected in their field and have a mix of experience and expertise that should stand them in good stead to conduct a fact-based review and not be misled by employers,” Mr Lawrence said.

“The Fair Work Act has re-established fairness and rights in the workplace, which WorkChoices took away.

“The Labor Party has shown it is committed to ensuring workplace rights are at the core of its policy agenda, through the development of the Fair Work Act and beyond, including by the decision recently to amend its platform to strengthen the collective bargaining system and ensure workers had enhanced rights to bargain for secure jobs.

“But the outbreak of employer militancy since the grounding of the Qantas fleet shows the Liberal Party and its mates at the big end of town are gearing up for a new attack on rights at work.

“We need better rights at work, not a return to WorkChoices, so the Government must hold strong against this employer militancy. This review of the Fair Work Act will allow employer claims to be tested and we are confident they will prove to be groundless.

“Good, secure jobs matter to all workers and only enhance the economy, which is why the ACTU is now running our Secure Jobs, Better Future campaign. With 40% of the workforce in casual, contract or labour hire employment, unions are determined to campaign for a better future for these workers.”

Workers have an extra month to tell their story to Inquiry into Insecure Work

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Workers, unions, community and other representative groups have an extra month to contribute their experiences to the Independent Inquiry into Insecure Work in Australia, with the deadline for submissions now extended until late-January.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said 317 workers, community organisations, unions and academics had already lodged submissions by Tuesday.

“Submissions were due to close this Friday, but the inquiry panel, chaired by former Deputy Prime Minister Brian Howe, has extended the deadline until 20 January 2012, in recognition of the amount of preparation needed, particularly for organisations, and the pressures to complete other work before the Christmas-New Year break,” Ms Kearney said.

“The submissions received have already provided valuable evidence for the Inquiry to consider the impact insecure work has on people’s ability to plan for their future, to make ends meet and to spend time with family and friends.

“We know that insecure work – casual, fixed or short-term contracts, labour hire, and contracting – has almost doubled in the last two decades to make up about 40% of the workforce now.

“We know from research we have conducted, that for workers, insecure work often means lower pay and fewer rights and entitlements at work. It makes it harder for them to manage their household finances, to spend time with their family and friends, and to plan for the future.

“This inquiry intends to examine the impacts of insecure work and propose policy actions.”

Ms Kearney said once submissions closed, the Inquiry would then conduct hearings around the country in February and March next year, before preparing a report for the ACTU.

The ACTU recently prepared for the Inquiry an options paper, The future of work in Australia: dealing with insecurity and risk, which found half of all casual workers would prefer to have a standard, secure job.

“The paper acknowledges that solutions to the growth of job and income insecurity in Australia will be complex and diverse, but should aim at improving the rights and conditions of all work for all workers,” Ms Kearney said.

“Approaches to insecure work should also ensure that non-standard forms of employment are used for their legitimate purpose and not as a cheap substitute to ongoing employment.”

Ms Kearney said there was a range of views on job security, and the inquiry wanted to hear from as diverse a representation of the Australian community and economy as possible.

Submissions can be lodged on the campaign website, securejobs.org.au, by email to inquiry@securejobs.org.au, or by phoning a special hotline on 1300 362 223 (toll free).

Australian unions remain steadfast in pursuit of human and labour rights in Fiji

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Australian unions will continue to steadfastly pursue human and labour rights in Fiji, despite the military regime’s refusal to allow entry to an Australian and New Zealand union fact-finding mission.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said the Fiji Government’s actions flew in the face of its claims it had nothing to hide, and only served to illustrate it had no interest in engaging with the international community about human and labour rights.

The delegation, led by ACTU President Ged Kearney and her New Zealand counterpart Helen Kelly, was denied permission to enter Fiji at Nadi Airport yesterday afternoon, despite an open invitation from the Fijian Government.

“We are disappointed the Fiji Government has defied international concerns about the removal of workers’ labour rights and violence toward union leaders.

“But their actions only make us more determined to safeguard the human and labour rights of Fijian workers and their communities.

“If Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has nothing to hide, then why would he refuse us entry? Even more concerning was the refusal to allow the delegation consular support and the confiscation of our mobile phones.

“This is hardly the type of action we would expect from and open and accountable democracy.

“Australian unions have been concerned for some time about the treatment of Fijian workers and allege violence towards union leaders.”

The delegation had planned a three-day mission to investigate the worsening human and labour rights record in Fiji.

It had planned to meet with Fijian workers and unions, civil society and church organisations, and business executives, and had hoped to meet with the Fiji Government.

“It is unimaginable that the Fiji Government continues to defy basic human rights in the face of growing international outrage,” Ms Kearney said.

“Just last week, the International Labour Organisation intervened to safeguard human and labour rights in Fiji, passing an unprecedented resolution condemning the actions of the Fijian Government to persecute union leaders and restrict fundamental labour rights.

“The resolution was backed by union, Government and employer representatives, including the ACTU and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

“We can assure Mr Bainimarama that we will not be intimidated by his tactics and we will not back down in our mission to defend the rights of Fijians.”

Workers have just one week left to tell their stories to the Independent Inquiry into Insecure Work

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Workers across the country have less than one week left to contribute their experiences to the Independent Inquiry into Insecure Work in Australia, with submissions set to close this Friday.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said an overwhelming number of workers had already lodged their submissions, with 265 received at the end of last week.

“The submissions from workers will provide valuable evidence for the Inquiry to consider the impact insecure work has on people’s ability to plan for their future, to make ends meet and to spend time with family and friends,” she said.

“We know that insecure work – casual, fixed or short-term contracts, labour hire, and contracting – has almost doubled in the last two decades to make up about 40% of the workforce now.

“We know from research we have conducted, that for workers, insecure work often means lower pay and fewer rights and entitlements at work. It makes it harder for them to manage their household finances, to spend time with their family and friends, and to plan for the future.

“These submissions from Australian workers will provide further valuable insights directly from those who are impacted the most.”

Ms Kearney said the Inquiry would also be collecting submissions from unions, employers and other workplace representatives. It will then conduct hearings around the country in February and March next year, to prepare a report on solutions to insecure work for the ACTU.

The ACTU recently prepared for the Inquiry an options paper, The future of work in Australia: dealing with insecurity and risk, which found half of all casual workers would prefer to have a standard, secure job.

“The paper acknowledges that solutions to the growth of job and income insecurity in Australia will be complex and diverse, but should aim at improving the rights and conditions of all work for all workers,” Ms Kearney said.

“Approaches to insecure work should also ensure that non-standard forms of employment are used for their legitimate purpose and not as a cheap substitute to ongoing employment.”

Ms Kearney said there was a range of views on job security, and the inquiry wanted to hear from as diverse a representation of the Australian community and economy as possible.

The Inquiry, chaired by former Deputy Prime Minister Brian Howe, will hold a series of regional hearings across the country in February, before preparing a final report, expected by May.

Submissions can be lodged on the campaign website, securejobs.org.au, by email to inquiry@securejobs.org.au, or by phoning a special hotline on 1300 362 223 (toll free).

Unions welcome appointment of Bill Shorten as new Workplace Relations Minister

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Australian unions welcome the appointment of Bill Shorten as Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, and look forward to working with him to progress the agenda for rights at work for all Australians, including those in insecure work.

ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence said Mr Shorten had shown a commitment to working people throughout his career first as a trade unionist and now as a Member of Parliament.

“Bill Shorten is someone working people can trust and unions know and can work well with,” Mr Lawrence said.

“Throughout his time at the Australian Workers’ Union, Bill Shorten was a strong advocate for the interests of his members and all working Australians, standing up for jobs, for decent pay and conditions, and for rights at work.

“We expect to have a good working relationship with Mr Shorten to continue building on the Fair Work Act and advancing rights at work.

“The ALP National Conference recently amended its platform to strengthen the collective bargaining system and ensure workers had enhanced rights to bargain for secure jobs.

“We look forward to working with the new Minister to implement these changes so collective bargaining is more effective for all workers, including the 40% employed as casuals, on short-term or fixed contracts, labour hire, or other forms of insecure work. The future of work in Australia must be productive workplaces with good, secure jobs, where rights are protected and workers are valued.

“It was also important that reforms to superannuation, including raising the Super Guarantee to 12%, are carried through, and it is appropriate that Mr Shorten will continue to drive those changes.”

Mr Lawrence said the outgoing Minister for Workplace Relations, Chris Evans, had made sure that the benefits of the Fair Work Act were spread through Australian workplaces and not undermined by a concerted campaign by employers.

“Senator Evans has shown a positive attitude to productivity, recognising that it is achieved through skills, training, investment in plant and equipment, and engagement with workers, not through cutting pay and conditions,” Mr Lawrence said.

Mr Lawrence said unions also welcomed the expansion of Climate Change Minister Greg Combet’s portfolio to include Industry and Innovation.

He said a price on carbon pollution and industry policy went hand-in-hand, and Mr Combet had a strong understanding of the impact of industry change on workers and their communities.

He said the restructuring of the skills and industry portfolios brought considerable ministerial experience to these areas that are crucial to delivering decent jobs for working Australians.

What is the Fijian Govt trying to hide? Aust and NZ unions to go ahead with visit despite reported ban

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Unions from Australia and New Zealand intend to proceed with plans to send a delegation to Fiji this week and have called on the regime to clarify media reports it will ban them from the country.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said she was concerned at unconfirmed reports in today’s Fijian media that the union delegation would not be permitted to enter the country for a three-day mission to investigate allegations of human and labour rights abuses by the military regime.

She said the ACTU and its New Zealand counterpart were seeking clarification from the Fijian Attorney-General, but intended to go ahead with the fact-finding mission, which is the result of requests from Fijian unions and civil society groups.

“Australian and New Zealand unions have been open about the intentions of this visit, but this reported ban on travel into Fiji can only add to perceptions that the regime is attempting to prevent scrutiny from the rest of the world,” Ms Kearney said.

“We are responding to an open invitation from the Fijian Government to visit their country, and are concerned at these unconfirmed media reports that we will be denied the opportunity to have meaningful discussions about human rights concerns.

“The purpose of this delegation is to talk to Fijian workers, unions, church and civil society groups, employers and business representatives about serious allegations of repeated breaches of human and labour rights by the Bainimarama Government.

“There has been global reporting and condemnation of the unelected Fijian Government’s increasingly hostile attitude to human rights, particularly labour rights.

“We have also sought meetings with Prime Minister Bainimarama which we hope would be the beginning of a fresh dialogue about human and labour rights in Fiji.

Ms Kearney said unions in Australia and New Zealand held a teleconference this morning where it was determined to go ahead with the visit.

“We have been invited by Fijians to investigate the true situation in Fiji, and we don’t want to let them down,” Ms Kearney said.

“We have held concerns for working people on Fiji since the enactment of a series of decrees which have abolished the minimum wage, and effectively banned collective bargaining and union representation. Senior union leaders in Fiji have been arrested and detained in recent months, in what appears to be a campaign to intimidate anyone who challenges the regime.

“This is on top of other breaches of human rights, particularly freedom of expression, including a bans of church meetings, harassment and violence towards opposition politicians, religious persecution, and a clampdown on media.”

The delegation is due to leave for Fiji on Tuesday.

Big banks must act in community interest and pass on rate cut or face greater regulation

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The tardiness of the big banks in passing on yesterday’s cut to official interest rates again shows they do not have the community interest at heart and may need to face greater regulation.

“Once again, the big banks are demonstrating their naked greed by holding off on passing onto home borrowers the decision by the Reserve Bank to yesterday cut its official rate by 0.25 of a percentage point,” said ACTU President Ged Kearney.

“The Reserve Bank did the right thing in the midst of great global economic uncertainty by easing the financial pressure on working families and small business.

“Today’s national accounts show that despite its strong headline growth, Australia’s economic performance is patchy, which is why the RBA cut rates.

“ME Bank and the Bank of Queensland immediately passed on the rate cut in full, but the big four banks seem to put their own profits before anything else.

“This is outrageous at a time when the national accounts today show that profits as a share of national income are at a record high of 29.3%, while wages’ share fell and remains at its lowest for more than 40 years.

“Having recorded booming profits and rewarded themselves with generous pay rises, the big banks are not struggling.

“It may be time to consider stronger government regulation to drive greater competition, improved consumer protections and more sustainable corporate behaviour in the banking sector.

“Banks should be regulated so that they are forced to reflect the interest rate movements set by the Reserve Bank and to fully justify any variation.

“They should also be required to demonstrate a direct link between their fees and charges.

“Banking is an essential service and the interests of consumers are not being properly protected.”

Australian unions to investigate human and labour rights abuses in Fiji following ILO intervention

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Australian unions welcome moves today by the International Labour Organisation to intervene to safeguard human and labour rights in Fiji, ahead of a delegation heading to the island nation next week to investigate abuses of workplace rights first hand.

The ILO’s regional meeting in Kyoto today passed an unprecedented resolution condemning the actions of the Fijian Government to persecute union leaders and restrict fundamental labour rights. The resolution was backed by both union and employer representatives, including the ACTU and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said it was disappointing the Fiji Government had defied international concerns about the removal of workers’ labour rights and violence toward union leaders.

“The ILO’s regional meeting has called on its governing body to step up its actions to restore workplace rights in Fiji,” Ms Kearney said.

“There can be no greater condemnation of Fiji’s arrogant breaches of workplace rights than from the International Labour Organisation.”

Ms Kearney, who also hopes to meet with the Fiji Government when she leads a delegation from Australia and New Zealand to investigate the worsening situation next week, said the military regime could no longer ignore regional intervention.

“The ILO has also demanded that the travel restrictions imposed on Fiji Trades Union Congress Secretary Felix Anthony be removed immediately, in keeping with the Universal Declaration on Human Rights which allows for everyone to leave and return to his or her own country,” she said.

“It is unimaginable that the Fiji Government continues to defy basic human rights in the face of growing international outrage.

“Unions will not sit back and watch the oppression and violence directed at workers and union leaders by a Government installed via a coup and which has no democratic mandate.”
Ms Kearney is seeking a meeting with Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and Attorney General Aiyez Sayed-Khaiyum during her three-day visit to Suva from next Wednesday.

“The Fiji military regime continues to deny its violations are illegal or even restrictive of its workforce, so if it indeed has nothing to hide then it should be pleased to meet with me,” she said.

“The Government, which was installed by a military coup in 2006, has jailed trade union leaders with no cause and issued decrees that have deprived most Fijian workers of their fundamental international labour rights guaranteed by ILO conventions.”

Government commitment to higher apprentice wages is a good first step to lifting completion rates

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Federal Government support for a pay increase for apprentices is a good first step towards improving the appalling apprentice completion rate.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said unions were pleased the Government had recognised that low pay was a major contributor the apprentice drop-out rate of 50%.

Unions also welcome the commitment to lift training standards, through more funding for mentoring and support services and action to harmonise standards across the country.

“This is a good first step to address the currently poor completion rate for apprentices,” Ms Kearney said.

“Unions look forward to a review of apprentice wages by Fair Work Australia next year to address the appallingly low wages trainees currently receive,” Ms Kearney said.

“We also welcome the review announced today to investigate targeting employer incentive payments to ensure bosses are using them for genuine training, and not simply to subsidise wages.

“The current completion rates for Australian apprenticeships are unacceptably low at an average of 48% and the only way to boost the number of skilled workers in our community is through better wages and training.

“Apprentices have told us that the poor remuneration is a key reason they don’t complete their apprenticeships.”

Ms Kearney said training and skill development should be a shared responsibility between Government, industry and unions, individual employers and apprentices and trainees themselves,” she said.

“Unions have previously called on the Government to consider the panel recommendation for an employer contribution scheme to support the funding of a steamlined training system and are disappointed this has not been taken further. Employers must take their share of responsibility in ensuring as a nation we can meet our future skill needs through apprenticeships and traineeships.

“The resources sector in particular needs to improve its support for apprentices, with a major Government report last year calling for the sector to significantly increase the number of apprentices it employs in order to match its share of trade employment and reduce its reliance on temporary migration.”

Ms Kearney said unions also welcomed the announcement of the new Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors, which aim to boost the status and profile of apprenticeships.

Unions welcome commitments from Labor to eradicate asbestos and restore worker rights in Fiji

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Changes to the Labor Party’s national platform will see Australia leading the way in the global campaign to eradicate asbestos, and strengthening its actions to force the Fijian military regime to respect human and labour rights, say unions.

Australian unions have had growing concerns at what appears to be a systematic campaign of persecution by the Fijian Government of workers and their representatives, said ACTU President Ged Kearney.

In recent weeks, the military regime has stepped up oppression of workers in Fiji with a new decree that effectively outlaws collective bargaining and union representation.

The island nation’s union leaders have been subjected to persecution and harassment, including periods of arrest and detention by the police.

Speaking at the Labor Party’s National Conference in Sydney today, Ms Kearney said:

“Now is now is not the time to weaken our position on Fiji. It is not acceptable that people are intimidated, harassed, threatened with violence and assaulted for not sharing the view of the regime or for simply being trade unionists.

“We are calling for respect for human rights in Fiji. We are calling for Australian business operating in Fiji not to profit from taking advantage of anti union, anti worker decrees.”

A resolution adopted by the Labor conference today condemns the Fijian regime and expresses concerns at deterioration of human rights, particularly worker rights.

It calls on the Australian Government to take all appropriate action to promote a return to genuine democracy and governance which respects and promotes human rights.

The conference also amended Labor’s foreign affairs platform to place Australia at the lead of international action for a global treaty to ban the use and trade in asbestos. The amendment commits Australia to hosting an international conference for the Global Alliance against Asbestos Hazard.

“Asbestos is a scourge that kills tens of thousands of workers around the world every year,” Ms Kearney said.

“Unions have been at the forefront of campaigning against asbestos in Australia but a renewed global effort must be made to ban its use and trade in all forms around the world, especially in developing nations. We are pleased to see Labor acknowledging the role that Australia can play in leading global efforts.”

Other amendments to the foreign affairs platform include committing the government to work with Australian unions to build union capacity in developing countries through a development assistance and training package.