[Greens-Media] Superficial IR changes the first of many to come

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Superficial IR changes the first of many to come

"As predicted, here are the first of what will be a long list of
amendments to Howard's ill-conceived IR laws," said Senator Rachel
Siewert today.
"The proposed regulations don't go far enough."

"They are a half-hearted attempt to deal with obvious gaping holes in
the Work Choices legislation," she said.

"There are no guarantees that workers won't still be worse off, and when
the only way to challenge unfair penalties or dismissals is through the
courts it is unlikely that the average Australian worker will be able to
stand up to an unscrupulous employer," said Senator Siewert.

"Employers can still impose financial penalties on workers who do not
meet requirements, and can use 'attendance bonuses' to punish sick
workers by effectively dropping them down to the minimum wage," she
said.

"It is clear that, in the lead up to next year's federal election, these
unpopular IR laws are hurting Howard out in the community."

"However, with the government's strong ideological commitment to Work
Choices it is clear that they will not make any substantive changes."

"What we can expect is more spin around superficial and ultimately
meaningless tweaking at the edges of this flawed legislation."


For more information or comment call 

Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025
Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au 
http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au

RESCUE THE SENATE


Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens spokesperson on Industrial Relations


Friday, 22 September 2006



Chris Twomey
Personal Advisor
Senator Rachel Siewert
Australian Greens Senator for Western Australia
WA office: 08 9228 3277 Canberra: 02 6277 3587
mobile: 0407 725 025
www.rachelsiewert.org.au

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