[Greens-Media] May Day a good reminder for 'Fair Pay' day

[Ludlam, Scott (Sen R. Siewert)]

Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for WA

MEDIA RELEASE


Monday, 1 May 2006


May Day a good reminder for 'Fair Pay' day

Senator Siewert has urged all working people to use the occasion of May
1 to let the new 'Fair Pay' Commissioner Ian Harper know that he has no
mandate to undermine minimum pay rates for workers on low incomes. 

"Ian Harper has admitted that the safety net for low income workers
could be eroded at the first sign of tough economic times," Senator
Siewert said. "At a time when executive salaries have reached
stratospheric levels and housing is fast becoming unaffordable, the last
thing low income workers need is a pay cut from the Fair Pay
Commission."

The Commissioner has pointed out that in a recession, wage cuts to low
income workers might be necessary to stimulate employment.
 
"I encourage all workers to make a submission to Mr Harper urging him to
protect the wages of low-income workers. With the overhaul of the award
system and sidelining of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission,
Mr Harper is now responsible for protecting the remaining entitlements
of millions of low-income Australians."

"This is the reason the Greens opposed the changes to the old system of
setting the minimum wage. The situation of vulnerable Australian workers
is now that much more precarious."

The Greens have pledged to roll back the Work Choices legislation after
the next election. 



For more information or comment call Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au  |  http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au