The first of the Rights At Work TV advertisements focus on two of the main concerns working people have about the changes unfair dismissals and the spread of individual contracts.

Both issues are linked with rising concerns about job insecurity and the loss of control of working hours. They are based on real scenarios emerging in the modern workforce.

Real Life Examples:

Individual Contracts: Air maintenance workers with Boeing based in Williamstown near Newcastle, employed to keep our RAAF planes in the air are currently locked out by their employer after refusing to sign AWAs that would have lowered their wages and undermined their job security. Unfair Dismissals: In 2002, baby wear company BabyCo dismissed a young mother after refusing to vary her shifts to allow her to take her children to netball and shifting her to weekend work without consultation. She ultimately won her job back, but without unfair dismissal protection, she would have had no option but to leave.

The advertisements tell two stories:

1. George

George has worked at the same workplace for 15 years. We see him sitting in an office with a management consultant type. In front of George is an individual contract. Casual? This cant be right. VOICE OVER: THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS CHANGING THE LAWS TO GIVE EMPLOYERS MORE POWER OVER WORKERS. The management consultant pushes the pen over to George. Weve all got to be a little more flexible VO: SO YOU CAN BE FORCED ONTO AN INDIVIDUAL CONTRACT George looks worried and concerned. Ive been here 15 years It is obvious that George feels compelled to sign the agreement. He does so with a sense of foreboding. VO: THAT CUTS YOUR TAKEHOME PAY. On his way out of the office, another worker is coming in. A look passes between them fear, concern.hopelessness. FOLLOW UP (15 seconds): George is signing the individual agreement under the watchful eye of his boss. Ive been here fifteen years. He reluctantly signs and leaves. VOICE-OVER: IF YOU THINK AUSTRALIAN WORKERS AND THEIR FAMILIES WILL BE BETTER OFF ON INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS The next worker in line to see the boss looks worried. VO: THINK AGAIN

2. Tracy

We see two kids being tickled by their mum. The phone rings Mum answers, surprised that her boss is calling on her day off. MUM Oh hi, Mr. White. No I cant tonight. Im rostered on for tomorrow nights shift. The kids are concerned. VOICE-OVER: THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS SCRAPPING UNFAIR DISMISSAL LAWS FOR 3.6 MILLION AUSTRALIAN WORKERS. MUM But whos going to mind my kids? VO: SO IF YOU THINK THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE SAFE MUM But.you cant sack me VO: THINK AGAIN Really. Mum is distressed, kids are worried. FOLLOW UP AD (15 seconds) The mother now is on the phone, on of the children by her side. She is calling her mother to come and mind the children. MUM Mum, can you come and mind the kids? The boss just called and threatened me. VOICE-OVER: IF YOU THINK YOU WILL BE SAFE WITHOUT UNFAIR DISMISSAL LAWS THINK AGAIN Hes says hes going to sack me if I dont come in.

More Information

• View the TV ads online

Union TV Ad Campaign Launch: Media Release

Unfair Dismissal and Individual Contracts Factsheets

TV Ad Campaign Background - see above