[Greens-Media] Greens pledge to protect worker*s entitlements.

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
22 March 2005 

Greens pledge to protect worker's entitlements.

Greens MP Lee Rhiannon will introduce legislation into the NSW Parliament this year to universally protect workers entitlements in the event of bankruptcy * a policy that both the ALP and Coalition have refused to touch. 

"Parliament guarantees MP's entitlements so it's only fair that the rest of the community has the same level of protection," Lee Rhiannon said.  

"When a business goes bust and workers are left with no entitlements major party MP's will say how terrible it is but they continually fail to provide legal protection.

"Like most people in the community I find it disgraceful that workers entitlements are not protected.

"Scores of bankruptcies effect NSW workers, the recent debacle of Walter constructions and Ansett are the just tip of the iceberg.

"On the one hand we have company directors being paid obscene amounts and on the other, workers are last in line to get paid their lawful entitlements when the company they work for goes belly up and its simply not good enough.

 "In the face of Coalition and ALP inaction, the Greens are determined to do something about this longstanding failure of the government to protect the welfare of the community.  

"I look forward to consulting with unions and employers groups about the most effective way to achieve uniform, comprehensive and absolute security of entitlements for employees in this State. 

"Workers entitlements must be guaranteed by law, protection is long overdue," Lee Rhiannon said. 

More information:  Kristian Bolwell Media Adviser,  9230 3551, 0411638320