[Greens-Media] Workers missing out on ANZAC Day

[Twomey, Chris (Sen R. Siewert)]

Workers missing out on ANZAC Day 

"There will be many more employees forced to work on ANZAC day this
year, because that is precisely what Work Choices allows for," said
Senator Rachel Siewert today.

"Employees can request not to work pubic holidays like ANZAC Day, but
employers can and do refuse such requests."

 "Public holidays, particularly ANZAC Day, are important occasions that
hold special significance for all Australians." 

"John Howard should not diminish the opportunity that any one group has
to participate in the life of the Nation for some dubious economic
ideology," she said.

"This government seems to think everything and anything is up for grabs
when it comes to employers demands on their workers."

"The Greens believe that at the very least penalty rates for working on
public holidays must be a minimum condition -- to both deter unnecessary
holiday work, and to properly compensate employees who must miss out on
such important family occasions," she said.

 "It is disingenuous for Joe Hockey to continue to trot out the myth
that ANZAC Day is protected under Work Choices," said Senator Siewert.  

"In fact Minister Hockey admitted ANZAC Day is not protected when he
said that whether someone worked on Anzac Day and whether they received
penalty rates would depend on their workplace agreement." 

	           
For more information or comment call 
Chris Twomey on 0407 725 025

Email senator.siewert at aph.gov.au
http://www.rachelsiewert.org.au

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