Media briefing
Factsheet
5
Keep unions out of workplaces and
reduce the capacity for workers to bargain collectively
Important changes coming from 1 July 2005
The Howard
Government has said it will use its new Senate powers to take away many of your
basic rights at
work.
The
Government wants to make it harder for unions to protect and represent working
people.
The Government is
already trying to pass laws that make it harder for unions to visit
workplaces.
It also wants to make
it harder for unions to represent workers in negotiations with their
employer.
Having a union
negotiated agreement helps workers maintain their living
standards.
On average
union members earn $125 more a week than workers who are not in
unions.
Union membership is
the best way to make sure that your workplace is safe, that you receive your
full entitlements and that you have advice and support when you need
it.
As well as representing their
members, unions also strive for better wages and conditions for all working
people through awards and collective
agreements.
The Howard
Government’s plans are not just an attack on unions - they will affect
everyone.
The Government
wants to:
- Make unions give written notice of their reasons for
workplace visits, and let managers restrict where your union meets with
you.
- Encourage employers to monitor your discussions with your
union, and have the right to know whether you are in a union.
- Make it harder for working people to legally take
industrial action, like strikes, while in negotiation with their employer. These
new laws will make it harder to stand up for your rights when you really need
to.
- Increase penalties for unions and
workers.
For more information call the ACTU Hotline on
1300 362 223.