ACTU - Latest News

457 visa system is allowing exploitation of imported workers by middlemen and unscrupulous employers

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Revelations of exploitation of workers on 457 visas show the system must be changed, the ACTU said today.

ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said reports of Filipino workers being placed into huge debts in order to get 457 visas, and then mistreated by employers in Australia, showed the dangers of the rapid and uncontrolled expansion of the 457 visa program.

“Workers on 457 visas, or other temporary visas, must be treated the same as their Australian counterparts, not be used as cheap labour or to drive down pay and conditions,” Mr Oliver said.

"Employers should commit to the local economy by investing in training and innovation that helps enrich Australia’s workforce capacity. They should not be able to undercut local wages and conditions by exploiting people from other countries in vulnerable situations.

“Today’s reports raise major concerns the current system is allowing the exploitation of 457 visa-holders by loan sharks and unscrupulous employers in Australia.

“The 457 system is being used to exploit Filipino workers, who are required to pay huge sums to middlemen – often the equivalent of four years average wage in the Philippines – to get a 457 visa and a job in Australia.

“Reports that they are required to take out a loan at 45 per cent interest to pay these middlemen will disturb all Australians.

“These arrangements may not be illegal, but they are taking advantage of poor, vulnerable workers and should be condemned.”

That’s why there must be a genuine labour-tested skills shortage and international workers must not be left at the mercy of agents and loan sharks.

“457 visa workers are already reliant on their employer to maintain their migration status. This makes it difficult for them to speak up about exploitation or safety breaches. If they are also paying off a massive debt then they are left powerless.”

“The union movement is concerned that 457 visas can be used to recruit compliant workers who are afraid to speak out about under-payment or other abuses.”

Mr Oliver said the union movement had a strong record of supporting permanent skilled migration and accepted the need for 457 visas in some areas.

“However, we need to ensure that 457 visas are only available where companies can show they have tried to recruit local workers, and that the Immigration Department properly monitors employers who use 457 visas,” Mr Oliver said.

“We also need to ensure that we are training local workers to fill future skills shortages, not simply relying on 457 visas.

Mr Oliver said the number of workers who came to Australia on 457 visas had increased by 20 per cent over the past 12 months. As of April 2013 there were 56,946 visas granted.

The number of 457 trades and technician workers arriving has increased by 15.4% in a year, at a time when thousands of jobs have been lost in key Australian sectors including construction, mining and manufacturing.

The number of people starting trade apprenticeships has fallen to its lowest level since 2009, down 4000 to 21,500 in the September quarter.

“These figures show that the 457 visa program is out of whack,” Mr Oliver said.

“Increasing the use of guest workers while locals struggle to get training or break into the workforce is not in our long-term interests.”

Australian Unions launch campaign for a better life for workers and their families

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Australian Unions are today launching a campaign which highlights the increasing pressures many workers face from the demands of business, which are impacting their lives outside of work.

Under the banner Australian Unions. Join. For a better life. unions will be highlighting the role they continue to play standing up for the basic rights at work that Australians have always enjoyed.

ACTU Secretary, Dave Oliver, said that the ads were drawn from the everyday experiences that working Australians were already speaking up about.

“They show Australians in situations which are all too common for many workers”, said Mr Oliver.

“Missing out on an important moment in a child's life, being unable to get a loan from a bank, and being unable to say anything about a problem at work because their employer has too much power, and an individual without support has too little.

“That’s why unions are standing up for a better life for all workers and their families. Joining a union is a positive step that we need to ask more Australians to take so that we can improve the conditions that they have at work and the lives they enjoy outside of work.

Mr Oliver said the ads were part of a long-term campaign about unions sticking up for their members and asking new members to join.

“Union members have someone in their corner when these issues arise, as well as someone to fight for better pay and conditions.

“Unions have pushed for parental leave, rises to the minimum wage and are fighting to protect penalty rates which are under concerted attack from employers.”

Mr Oliver said that Australian unions had more than 1.8 million members in every sector of the workforce, but were relevant to millions more, with up to 42 per cent of workers having their pay and conditions determined by a union negotiated collective agreement, and another 16 per cent who rely on an award wage.

Wage gap will widen after today’s disappointing decision by Fair Work Commission

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Today’s decision by the Fair Work Commission to raise the minimum wage by just $15.80 a week is a very poor outcome which will see 1.5 million low-paid workers and their families fall further behind, the ACTU says.

ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said the Fair Work Commission had missed an opportunity to close the wages gap between low-paid workers and the average wage.

The ACTU had sought a moderate and affordable increase of $30 a week for the lowest paid, and 4.2% for people employed above the tradesperson rate.

After tax, today’s decision will give those on the minimum wage just $1.80 more a day.

“This decision is a kick in the guts for 1.5 million low-paid workers and their families that will only further widen the gap between the low-paid and average earnings,” Mr Oliver said.

“We are stunned that today the Commission has acknowledged that wage inequality is rising in Australia but it has done absolutely nothing about it. In fact, after this decision, it will only get worse.

“On top of that, Australia has had its best year of productivity growth in a decade, and yet again, low paid workers have nothing to show for that.

“As a result of this decision, the national minimum wage will continue falling as a percentage of average weekly earnings, from 50% in 2000, to 43.4% last year, and now to 42.7%.

“And to add insult to injury, will now also have to fund the increase to their superannuation savings that the government has promised.

“With Australia’s economy in good shape, this was the year to take action to establish a decent minimum wage which would help prevent the emergence of a US-style working poor.

“Instead, it will be remembered as a missed opportunity.”

Mr Oliver said low-paid workers deserved recognition for their contribution to the economy.

“Minimum wage workers have little bargaining power, and the annual wage case is often their only chance for a pay rise,” he said.

“We are talking about cleaners, hospitality staff, unskilled labourers and thousands of other workers who keep our economy and society functioning.

“Any further decline in the relative living standards of these low-paid workers will put in jeopardy the concept of a fair safety net of minimum wages.

“The rise of insecure forms of work in Australia - which sees millions of workers in jobs with unpredictable working hours and no access to sick leave or annual leave - make a decent minimum wage more important than ever."

Statement from Ged Kearney

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

“I want to thank all of those people who have encouraged me to run for the seat of Batman, however I will not be nominating. It would have been a great privilege but now is not the right time. Being elected as president of the ACTU is a commitment dear to my heart and I believe I still have a lot more to do in this role given the challenges the labour movement faces. I have been proud to lead the union campaign on insecure work and I want to continue to be part of the team at the ACTU fighting for workers' rights and the role of unions in our community. Again, I want to thank people for their support."

Unions call for closer engagement from business over national economic challenges

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

ACTU President Ged Kearney will today call for closer engagement between unions and business over the economic challenges facing Australia, and for the business lobby to overcome its opposition to reforms in the national interest.

Speaking at a symposium on The Accord 30 Years On in Sydney this afternoon, Ms Kearney will propose the establishment of tripartite industry councils where unions, employers, government and wealth managers like superannuation funds can identify problems and develop solutions.

While ruling out a return to the Prices and Incomes Accord of the early-1980s, she says business and unions can engage more closely “in the spirit” of that process to develop a sustainable base for Australia’s economy beyond the mining boom.

“We need tripartite dialogue and agreement in all major sectors of the economy with unions and employers talking to each other and working through the issues, with government at the table as necessary,” Ms Kearney says.

“The business community – and the Coalition – must get over the attitude of looking at every significant national reform proposal through the filter of their own self-interest. It needs to constructively engage rather than blocking at every step.

“These agreements must take place at a sectoral or industry level because in today’s diverse Australian economy a one-size-fits-all approach is no longer appropriate for sectors as difference as resources, auto manufacturing and financial services.

“For these types of tripartite industry agreements to work, all sides need to have respect for and trust in each other.

“The scope of discussions must include a mature debate about tax reform, investment, skills and training, not just a narrow focus on a capricious notion of wage restraint. Megaphone negotiations and chest-beating through the media will not deliver.”

Unions warn Fijian elections will be a sham unless true democracy and human rights are restored

Sun, 26 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The peak union bodies of Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand have jointly written to their governments warning next year’s Fiji elections will be a sham unless international efforts are stepped up to restore democracy in the Pacific island nation.

The ACTU, Trades Union Congress and New Zealand Council of Trade Unions have set this September as a deadline for Fiji to demonstrate the elections will be free and fair.

If there are not improvements by then, they urge their governments to withdraw all financial and technical support from the Fijian elections.

The lobbying comes as more than 5000 people have already sent emails to their governments and the Fijian regime as part of an international online and social media campaign to highlight abuses of worker and human rights there.

The Destination Fiji: A Vacation from Workers’ Rights campaign uses social media to allow people to directly call for the use of Australia’s diplomatic and economic clout to force change in Fiji, which has been living under a dictatorship since the military seized control in a coup in 2006.

In the letter, jointly signed by ACTU President Ged Kearney, TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady and CTU Secretary Peter Conway, unions say that Fiji has gone backwards from pledges by the military dictatorship that next year’s elections would be free and fair. They say a recent government decree is designed to eliminate the political opposition from taking part.

They also observe that the regime has ignored criticism from the International Labour Organisation of continued attacks on workers’ rights, including assault, harassment and intimidation of union leaders who are also prominent opposition spokespeople.

“The regime has made it clear that it has no intent to play by the rules,” the letter says. “It has made a mockery of the constitutional reform process, has eliminated much of the political opposition, [and] will re-impose draconian decrees that limit speech and assembly.”

Ms Kearney said crunch time was approaching for Australia to take real and effective action if a framework for democracy and fundamental rights were not restored by September. She said people could back the lobbying of unions by taking action through the Destination Fiji campaign.

“Behind the image of a beautiful tropical paradise, the reality for Fijian workers is falling living standards and widespread poverty that has worsened because of the crackdown on labour rights by the Bainimarama military regime,” Ms Kearney said. “We need to tell our governments that they can do more to influence real change and help ordinary Fijians get their paradise back.”

The General Secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress, Felix Anthony said the campaign was about delivering respect and justice for Fijian workers.

“We believe this campaign adds another element to the long struggle of the Fijian people to end the military dictatorship which harms the human rights of our people - and to deliver a transparent and democratic Fiji for our children and grandchildren,” he said.

Urgent crisis talks needed to save manufacturing jobs following Ford announcement

Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The ACTU has called for urgent talks between Governments, car manufacturers and unions to plan for the future of the industry and ensure we maintain skills and preserve Australia’s ability to produce world-class cars.

ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said he had written to the Prime Minister, CEOs at Ford, Holden and Toyota, Victorian Premier Denis Napthine, car component representatives and unions to meet for urgent discussions.

“This announcement by Ford that it will close operations from 2016 is a shattering blow for workers and their families,” Mr Oliver said.

“These discussions need to address what the knock-on effects of Ford’s announcement are. This includes the impact on jobs throughout the supply chain and what can be done to consolidate, diversify and improve access to global markets for Australian car manufacturers.

“Car manufacturers are struggling with the high dollar and trade barriers imposed by other countries. We need to ensure that our car industry remains viable so it can be part of the diverse economy we will need after the mining boom.

“The car industry provides 200,000 direct and indirect jobs, and supports hundreds of smaller manufacturing businesses. The 1,200 job losses at Ford could turn into up to 10,000 across the industry.

“We are calling on Federal and State governments, as well as Toyota and Holden, to sit down with unions and discuss a plan that addresses the issues and what we can do to ensure the future of the car industry in Australia.

“We need bipartisan backing to support jobs in Australia.”

Mr Oliver condemned Ford for giving up on Australia.

“Governments and unions have been working hard to sustain manufacturing in Australia and Ford has walked away from this. They have devastated thousands of families, and the Geelong community,” Mr Oliver said.

Fair Work Commission must deliver $30-a-week wage rise to Australia’s lowest paid workers

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Fair Work Commission must use its annual review of the minimum wage to lift it by $30 per week and start to close the pay gap which is hurting low-paid workers.

Hearings began in the FWC today to consider the ACTU’s submission to raise the minimum wage from $15.96 per hour to $16.75, or $636.40 per week.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said wages of low-paid workers had been falling behind for a decade and a $30 per week rise would stop them falling further behind.

“Since 2000, the National Minimum Wage had fallen from 50% of average weekly full-time earnings to 43.4%,” Ms Kearney said.

“A $30 per week rise would be a moderate, affordable increase that will stop 1.5 million workers from falling further behind.

“Despite this the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry are calling for a pitiful $5.80 per week increase, hardly enough to buy lunch, let alone cope with the increasing cost of living.”

“Last year’s wage rise was absorbed by business and the economy continued to grow. Wages growth has been steady but not excessive across the economy and inflation is low. Now is the time to look after the urgent needs of low-paid workers.

“We are talking about cleaners, hospitality staff, unskilled labourers and thousands of other workers who keep our economy and society functioning.

“Any further decline in the relative living standards of these low-paid workers will put in jeopardy the concept of a fair safety net of minimum wages.

“The rise of insecure forms of work in Australia – which sees millions of workers in jobs with unpredictable working hours and no access to sick leave or annuals leave – make a decent minimum wage more important than ever.

“A decent minimum wage is an important protection for workers which will help prevent the emergence of a US-style working poor.”

Ms Kearney said the $30 per week rise would directly benefit 745,000 workers. The ACTU is simultaneously seeking a 4.2% pay rise for a further 792,000 Award-reliant workers.

“Wage rises across the board have not kept up with productivity growth. This is especially the case for low-paid workers.”

“The Fair Work Commission must recognise the need for wage justice for the lowest-paid.”

Ms Kearney said there was nothing in last week’s Federal Budget that had caused the ACTU to alter its submission to this year’s wage review.

Tony Abbott's Budget reply reveals attack on students, workers and superannuation of low earners. But includes tax cuts for billionaires.

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Tony Abbott has again demonstrated he is no friend of the worker.

"Failing to commit to Gonski is a betrayal to schools and education," said Dave Oliver, ACTU Secretary.

"The commission of audit is a carbon copy of the Peter Costello report which was used by Campbell Newman to sack nurses and other public servants in Queensland. A frightening prospect for all Australians.

"We have had a glimpse of what this society will be like under a Coalition government. Workers and their superannuation savings under attack while miners enjoy a windfall.

"Not content within his existing plan to increase superannuation taxes for 3.6 million workers, the Coalition is now attacking the retirement savings of every single Australian worker. This will cost the average worker thousands in retirement.

"Given we have an ageing population, pulling money out of the super system is economic vandalism.

"Any political party that commits to pillaging from the pockets of the poor to benefit the rich is no friend of the worker. For most workers saving enough superannuation is the difference between retiring comfortably and finding themselves in financial strife, this after a lifetime of work.

“The Coalition has consistently opposed policies which stimulated the economy and have kept our unemployment rate low.

“We are concerned that a policy of austerity from a Coalition Government would cost jobs unnecessarily. Australia’s government debt is low by international standards and we have retained our triple-A credit rating.

“Mr Abbott has failed to confirm that the Coalition will support the Government’s crackdown on multinational companies using ‘thin capitalisation’ rules to reduce their tax in Australia, a measure which would ensure extra revenue for services.”

Federal Budget must focus on jobs and investment in Australia’s future

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Tonight’s Federal Budget must put protecting jobs and investing in Australia at the heart of the Government’s economic strategy, ACTU President Ged Kearney said today.

Ms Kearney said meeting these priorities was more important than a quick return to a surplus.

“The union movement has consistently argued that we should not pursue a surplus at any cost, and that jobs should always come first,” Ms Kearney said.

“Australia’s government debt is low by international. Big job losses due to misguided ‘austerity’ being sprouted by the Coalition would be a disaster for workers and their families.”

Ms Kearney said Australian workers wanted the Federal Government to focus on supporting industries, such as manufacturing, that were struggling with the high Australian dollar.

“This Budget should be about protecting jobs in the short-term and making the major investments Australia needs to compete in the 21st century.

“Assisting industries that are being hurt by the high dollar will ensure we retain a diverse economy when the mining boom ends.”

Ms Kearney said that increased funding for schools was important to ensure Australia remained competitive in the future.

“To ensure Australian children can compete in a globalised world they will need the best start on their education. Investing in education at all levels will give all our children a chance.

“The Government has also announced this budget will contain funding for the initial stages of the Disability Care scheme. The lack of resources for Australians with disability is a national shame and a national disability support scheme will deliver real benefits to people with disability. The Federal Government and those states who have signed up deserve credit.”

Ms Kearney will be in Canberra for Budget Day and will be available for comment both before and after the Budget is announced.

Budget 2013: ACTU welcomes focus on jobs and infrastructure and a closing of company tax loopholes

Tue, 14 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Comments on the Federal Budget 2013 from Ged Kearney, ACTU President:

"The most important measure of a Budget is job creation. By that measure, this Budget is a success. The Government has protected Australian jobs at a time of challenging economic circumstances by avoiding a slash-and-burn approach to return to surplus prematurely.

"Australia's future is dependent on strong employment. The Treasurer has prudently ignored misdirected calls for austere measures - like those in Europe - which would have been out of alignment with the reality of Australia's modest deficit and stymied the nation's economic growth.

"Instead this Budget outlines investments in areas that will encourage job creation, improve education and deliver a better life for families. This includes infrastructure projects, childcare, disability and education investments.

"The schools improvement plan and the disability funding are historic reforms that will leave a lasting legacy. These are long term projects that require the support of future governments in order to reach their full potential.

"While we still believe the single NewStart allowance should be increased, the Government has made a welcome move in the right direction by allowing people on NewStart to work more hours each week without losing their payment.

"Unions are strongly supportive of changes that will stop businesses using loopholes to bypass paying their fair share of company tax.

"When multinational companies are able to exploit loopholes to reduce the tax they pay, that shifts the bill onto local businesses, as well as workers and consumers. The changes announced in this Budget will mean that multinational companies are called on to pay their fair share in tax.

"Unions strongly support welfare that assists those who need it most. The baby bonus has been superseded for working families by the better targeted Paid Parental Leave scheme.

"This is a good budget from a reformist government which balances jobs and growth with fairness and compassion, especially for those with disabilities. There is much for workers and their families to be pleased about," Ms Kearney said.

Tony Abbott must be honest about the details of his Productivity Commission inquiry into Industrial Relations

Sun, 12 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Tony Abbott must release the terms of reference for his Productivity Commission inquiry into industrial relations so workers know what might be at risk under an Abbott Government.

ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said there were still many unknowns about Mr Abbott’s IR policy and he needed to come clean about his full plans, including the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission inquiry and whether he would change regulations governing minimum standards or unfair dismissal for small business.

“Mr Abbott clearly wants to use the Productivity Commission to drive greater use of individual contracts and attacks on workers’ rights and conditions,” Mr Oliver said.

“The Productivity Commission has a long track record of recommending cuts to penalty rates and the wider use of individual contracts, and any inquiry will be dominated by the voices of business groups.”

“Mr Abbott has already announced that if he becomes Prime Minister he will legislate for greater use of Individual Flexibility Agreements, and business leaders have already been queuing calling for his industrial relations policy to be made even more extreme.”

“He must be honest with workers by outlining the terms of reference for his inquiry – so that they know which of their conditions and entitlements are under threat.”

Business will use Abbott’s Productivity Commission inquiry to reduce workers’ rights

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The ACTU has warned that Tony Abbott’s proposed Productivity Commission inquiry into Industrial Relations will be used by business to try and impose extreme laws that limit workers’ rights.

ACTU Secretary, Dave Oliver said remarks today by business leaders and former IR Minister Peter Reith showed business groups wanted Mr Abbott to shift even further towards individual contracts and Workchoices-style policies.

“The policy Mr Abbott released yesterday should be a major concern for workers due to its push towards individual contracts, but the reaction from business leaders today shows they want him to go even further.”

“Business leaders have been queuing up to call for changes to Mr Abbott’s policy. National Australia Bank chairman Michael Chaney has said he is disappointed the Coalition won’t remove penalty rates. Australian Industry Group head Innes Willox has said the policy is ‘timid’”.

“It is clear that Mr Abbott’s proposed Productivity Commission inquiry will be used by business to try and strip back rights and conditions for workers.

“The current IR laws have struck a balance which allows workers the right to bargain collectively, and to take disputes to the Fair Work Commission.

“They also allow workers to appeal if they are unfairly dismissed, and to speak to union representatives in lunchrooms about safety or other issues.

“The Government also plans to enshrine penalty rates in law.

“These remarks by business leaders have shown Tony Abbott will be under huge pressure from his friends in the corporate world to get rid of these basic rights and pursue an even more extreme IR policy and increase the use of individual agreements.”

“Workers should be disturbed by the lack of detail around Mr Abbott’s plans for Individual Flexibility Agreements, which will make it easier for employers to put workers on to individual agreements and erode their bargaining power.”

“Mr Willox also said he wants the Productivity Commission inquiry to look at unfair dismissal and penalty rates, this means that business will continue its agenda of trying to scrap penalty rates and unfair dismissal laws.”

“The Productivity Commission has shown its pro-business colours in the past. They have recommended an end to penalty rates, cuts to minimum wages, and changes to make it easier to put workers on individual contracts.

“Any inquiry that it undertakes into industrial relations will be dominated by the views of business, who have already made their agenda clear.

“Why does Mr Abbott want a Productivity Commission inquiry unless there are specific changes he is considering? Why won’t Mr Abbott give workers some idea of what is and isn’t on the table?”

Abbott puts individual contracts back at the heart of the IR system

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The Coalition’s IR policy is an attempt to return individual contracts to the heart of the IR system while trying to reassure workers that nothing will change, the ACTU said today.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said the Coalition’s attempt to expand the use of Individual Flexibility Agreements, and allow them to override collectively-negotiated agreements would lead to reduced pay and conditions for workers.

“Workers do not want to see a return to Workchoices-style individual agreements - regardless of what the Coalition wants to call them,” Ms Kearney said.

“Allowing Individual Flexibility Agreements to over-ride negotiated agreements opens the door to employers using them to drive down conditions and entitlements that workers have fought for.”

“This is an attempt to put individual contracts back at the centre of our industrial relations system and undermine the ability of workers to negotiate collectively. It will make it easier for employers to dictate terms and conditions to workers.”

Ms Kearney said today’s policy launch had failed to outline the Coalition’s long-term agenda for Industrial Relations.

"All we know is that there will be a Productivity Commission inquiry into further changes. If Tony Abbott has changes he wants the Productivity Commission to look at, why doesn't he tell us what they are?"

“We know that prior to the 2004 election there was no mention of WorkChoices and its attack on pay and conditions,’ Ms Kearney said.

“That means today's policy announcement should be treated with the same suspicion.”

“We know that the Liberal Party’s corporate supporters and business groups have been pushing for major changes to IR and cuts to pay and conditions, including the abolition of penalty rates.”

There is nothing in this policy that will help workers balance work and family, that will improve conditions for low-paid workers or that will tackle insecure work.”

“The Coalition has refused to recognise that insecure work is a major issue for Australian workers and that one-in-four workers has no access to sick leave, annual leave or carers’ leave.”

“Mr Abbott is still yet to commit to supporting the Government’s bid to enshrine penalty rates in law. This will be a bigger test of his real views on IR than today’s policy launch.”

Unstable policy not good enough for working women

Tue, 07 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The ACTU is concerned about Tony Abbott’s ill-conceived paid parental leave policy because it doesn’t have party room backing, has been shunned by business and lacks economic viability.

ACTU president Ged Kearney said: “Paid parental leave is too important for the Coalition to use as a means to try and win an election or to change the image of a political party that failed women for eleven years.

“Women campaigned hard for this country’s first paid parental leave despite opponents such as Mr Abbott saying they would never support such an entitlement. We have serious concerns about the level of commitment from the Coalition on this issue.

“You have to question what’s going on when the one and only policy the Coalition has announced for women is so contested by its own members. Business groups have also shunned the scheme making it shaky and unreliable policy at best,” Ms Kearney said.

“Whether or not you believe that Mr Abbott has transformed from his previous “over my dead body” stance on paid parental leave to a supporter, without the backing of business and his own party, there is little chance this will stand the test of time.

“Dismantling the current scheme and relying on an internally contested policy could leave Australian women without any scheme at all.

“Let’s be clear, the universal right of women to access paid parental leave is under threat.

“The scheme we currently have has allowed working women and men the freedom required to care for their newborns without significant financial loss. Importantly it goes some way to forging gender equality.

“There will be two important pieces of legislation that the Coalition will have to vote on in the next few weeks: the family friendly measures in the Fair Work Amendment Bill and the Workplace Gender Equality Act. They need to show where they stand on these two issues before we can believe they’ve changed their spots.”

Export of Chrysotile Asbestos must be controlled under Rotterdam Convention

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Exports of chrysotile asbestos must be controlled to limit the death toll from the deadly substance in developing nations, the ACTU said today.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said that the 6th Annual Conference on the Rotterdam Convention, in Geneva, Switzerland, must put chrysotile asbestos on its list of hazardous substances that needed to be monitored for export.

“Asbestos has been banned in construction in Australia since 1987, but is still used as a cheap material in developing nations in our region,” Ms Kearney said.

“This means that workers in these countries are being exposed to dangerous fibres which will cause a huge death toll for decades to come.

“Australia must use its influence in the region to limit the use of asbestos and develop substitutes that will not leave generations of people at risk of an early death.
“We know from our own experience of the horrific toll of asbestos.

“The deadly substance was part of the fabric of this nation. About every third domestic dwelling built between 1945 and 1987 is thought to contain asbestos. Thousands of Australians were exposed to asbestos, and deaths from asbestos-related disease are still to peak.

“We call on every country attending the 6th Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention to support putting chrysotile asbestos on the Convention's list of hazardous substances.”

“The Convention's expert scientific body (the Chemical Review Committee) is recommending this for the fourth time and they must be listened to.

“Chrysotile asbestos is the only asbestos that is still traded today. There is an overwhelming scientific consensus that all forms of asbestos, including chrysotile, are hazardous to health, and can cause death years after exposure.

“It is shameful that asbestos is being used in developing nations, in spite of all we know about its dangers to health. The asbestos industry is exporting a deadly product while continuing to deny its hazards.

“The Rotterdam Convention requires all nations who export hazardous substances to obtain prior informed consent, thus enabling countries to protect the health of their citizens.

“Listing chrysotile asbestos is an important step to better regulating this deadly substance.”

Thought Fiji was paradise? Think again. New campaign launched for worker and human rights

Sun, 05 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Ahead of the launch of regular flights to Australia of the rebranded Fiji Airways next month, unions are urging potential Australian tourists to find out more about the attacks on human and workers’ rights in Fiji and think twice before visiting the island.

Unions have today launched a new online campaign aimed at raising awareness about the reality of life under Fiji's military dictatorship, and calling for the Australian and New Zealand Governments to turn up the pressure on regime leader Frank Bainimarama to restore democracy.

The Destination Fiji: A Vacation from Workers’ Rights campaign will use social media to allow people to directly call for the use of Australia’s diplomatic and economic clout to force change in Fiji, which has been living under a dictatorship since the military seized control in a coup in 2006.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said recent developments in Fiji, including the rejection of a new independently prepared draft Constitution, pointed towards next year’s elections being a sham.

She said the regime had stripped workers of their wages and conditions, free speech has been stifled and the country’s Constitution and Bill of Rights have been treated with disdain.

Union leaders have been harassed and beaten, it is illegal for more than three people to meet without a permit, and meanwhile, the average Fijian’s standard of living has fallen under the dictatorship.

Ms Kearney said 60% of Fijian wage earners were living below the poverty line, while the cost of living is skyrocketing.

“Australian and New Zealand tourists are the biggest visitors to Fiji each year, attracted by the sunny weather, pristine beaches, and generous hospitality of the locals,” she said.

“The new Fiji Airways [currently Air Pacific] will be trading on this image of a tropical paradise when it begins regular flights to and from Sydney next month, but people need to be aware that behind the picture postcard images, there is little sunshine for the ordinary Fijian worker.

“We are not saying to people ‘don’t go to Fiji’, but we are saying, if you do go, make sure you are aware of the real situation, and talk to the locals about what is really happening. You will find out that the average hotel worker earns less than $3 an hour and that most wages are 15 to 30% below the poverty line.

“Spread the word to your friends, and tell the Australian Government that it can do more to influence real change in Fiji. Australians should join the international call for change and help ordinary Fijians get their paradise back.”

The new campaign is jointly co-ordinated by the ACTU, the International Trade Union Confederation, the NZCTU and Equal Times. The campaign website is www.destinationfiji.org

No more excuses: Quad Bikes without Crush Protection Devices should not be operated

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Safe Work Australia CEO Rex Hoy’s call for quad bike manufacturers to fit efficient crush protection devices (CPDs) should lead to strong regulatory action to reduce quad bike deaths and injuries, the ACTU said today.

ACTU assistant secretary Michael Borowick said that there had been enough talk on quad bike safety and it was time for the ACCC and State and Territory workplace safety bodies to act.

“There have been many, many preventable deaths and serious injuries from quad bikes. And it is not stopping. It is time to make quad bikes without CPDs illegal,” Mr Borowick said.

“Quad bikes without CPDs should not be operated. It is time for State workplace safety authorities to ensure that quad bikes in workplaces are equipped with CPDs, likewise the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission must ban the import of quad bikes without CPDs.

“Safe machinery is one of the absolute fundamentals of workplace safety.

Mr Borowick said the ACTU supported greater efforts at effective training, restriction of children on all quad bikes and the wearing of helmets, but said these measures were not a substitute for making quad bikes safer.

“Quad bike manufacturers and regulators have been saying these things are the answer for 25 years without cutting the death and injury toll,” Mr Borowick said.

“It is appalling that the industry accepts their machines are so unsafe that only special riding, which they call ‘active riding’, can save the rider. Yet they know that 90 per cent of riders will not be trained to do it, and CPDs are the only way to improve their safety in the event of a rollover.”

“Quad bikes are prone to roll over, as a coroner has written, and are unstable even on flat terrain.”

“Currently the only way to effectively reduce the death and injury toll from quad bikes is through CPDs.”

“It is unacceptable that the lack of action on this issue by regulators places many riders at mortal risk from quad bikes.”

“There are design requirements in Australia and there are safe plant regulations. Any breaches must lead to prosecutions, and it is time for regulatory authorities to start taking this problem seriously.”

Abbott shows true colours on penalty rates

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Tony Abbott needs to be honest with workers about whether he will get rid of penalty rates if elected, the ACTU said today.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said Mr Abbott had been caught out telling a community forum in South Australia that a Coalition Government might back applications to Fair Work Australia to change penalty rates.

“Mr Abbott has been trying to avoid scrutiny of the Coalition’s IR policy, but remarks like this show that a Coalition government would put penalty rates at risk,” Ms Kearney said.

“The Coalition needs to spell out exactly what it plans to do to penalty rates if elected, so workers have a clear choice.

“Removing penalty rates would be a pay cut for 500,000 workers,” Ms Kearney said.

“With millions of Australian workers in insecure forms of work, penalty rates are more important than ever for casual and low-paid workers struggling to pay the bills.”

“Working late nights or week-ends is still a sacrifice for workers, particularly those with families and penalty rates must remain to reflect this.”

“It is a huge concern for workers that Mr Abbott appears to be backing the big employer groups and their war on penalty rates.”

Ms Kearney said that a recent bid by major employers to remove penalty rates had been rejected by the Fair Work Commission, which found employers did not have evidence to back up their claims.

“The Fair Work Commission also found that a high proportion of workers in retail, food and accommodation were low paid and had a high reliance on their pay being set by awards, which include penalty rates,” Ms Kearney said.

“The union movement will continue to fight this push by employers to get rid of penalty rates because it will take money from the pockets of some of Australia’s lowest-paid workers.”

“The Government has promised to enshrine penalty rates in law, to give workers greater certainty, Mr Abbott needs to match this commitment.

“Tony Abbott appears to think that the only way to create jobs is to slash pay and conditions for workers. He forgets that the money low-paid workers get in penalty rates goes straight back into the economy.”

Workers’ Memorial Day 2013: a time to mourn the dead and fight for the living

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A new national memorial to Australians who have died at or because of work will be a lasting reminder of the ongoing battle to make our workplaces safer.

The $3 million National Workers’ Memorial on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra is a long-overdue formal recognition of the costly toll that work-related accidents, incidents and disease have had over the years, said ACTU President Ged Kearney.

She said it was fitting that the permanent tribute was being inaugurated today, which is International Workers’ Memorial Day. Workers’ Memorial Day is a union initiative that originally started in Canada in the 1980s with the slogan “mourn the dead and fight for the living”.

There were 374 Australians killed in traumatic workplace incidents in 2010-11 (the most recent year that statistics are available) but it is estimated the death rate when work-related diseases are added is well over ten times that.

“The National Workers’ Memorial will be a place where family members and workmates can contemplate their loss, but it will also be a focus for us to redouble our efforts to make all workplaces safer,” Ms Kearney said.

“This has been brought home to us all this week by the horrific incident in Bangladesh, where the collapse of a multi-storey building that housed numerous garment-making factories is feared to have killed up to 1000 workers.

“Here also in Australia, we have seen far too many deaths on building sites, wharves, farms, mines and from diseases like mesothelioma. Every work-related death leaves behind a shattered family and unions have fought many battles over the years to improve workplace health and safety.

“Many employers are fulfilling their duties and ensuring a safe environment for workers. Regulators have done a better job than in the distant past, but there are still constant hurdles preventing workers from having proper representation on health and safety issues.

“We also have to make sure that the right to a healthy and safe workplace isn’t traded off for ‘cutting red tape’, because we know that it’s the workers who pay the price when workplace safety laws are weakened, and it’s often with their lives.

“There is still unfinished business, beginning with the need for industrial manslaughter legislation to be enacted in all jurisdictions. Why is it that in Australia you can cause someone’s death by action or inaction and be very confident that you will not go to jail? That is the only way to send this message home: no worker should die on the job.

“Work should give people the satisfaction of using their skills to the fullest measure and making a contribution to their workplace, their community and the common good. It should enrich people, not rob them of their life.”

Ms Kearney congratulated the Labor Government for meeting its commitment to build a National Workers’ Memorial, in particular Senator Doug Cameron who had chaired the bipartisan steering committee.