[Greens-Media] Greens stay firm in support for workers

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Greens stay firm in support for workers

Kevin Rudd's announcement of key elements of the new ALP industrial
relations policy has left the Greens as the only party completely
committed to Australian workers.

"There will be many in the union movement and beyond very disappointed
with Kevin Rudd's announcements on the ALP's policy on industrial
action," said Greens IR spokesperson, Rachel Siewert.

The restriction of industrial action to bargaining will weaken the
rights of workers to protect their economic and social interests.
Industrial action taken by workers against the apartheid regime, the
Green Bans in Sydney, and even attendance at the rallies against Work
Choices would all be unlawful under Rudd's policy. 

"Rudd has shown the ALP lines up with the Howard government in
restricting the legitimate rights of workers to take industrial action.
The requirement for secret ballots before industrial action is
unnecessary, costly and designed to weaken the bargaining power of
workers acting collectively," said Senator Siewert.

 "Furthermore, the ALP's unfair dismissal policy, which effectively
extends the probation period for employees of small businesses to one
year, will hit young workers the hardest. The Greens believe access to
unfair dismissal laws should apply equally to all employees and that the
ALP policy is arbitrary and unfair", said Senator Siewert. 

The Greens now are the only party committed to overturning the entire
Work Choices regime and establishing a truly fair and equitable
industrial relations system protecting the legitimate and
internationally recognised rights of workers. 

Senator Siewert will give a Press Conference 
10.45am - Brisbane Exhibition Centre
Outside the Traveston Dam hearing, Southbank, Brisbane

	           
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 Senator for Western Australia


Wednesday 18th April 2007