[Greens-Media] Australia left behind on rights of workers

[Ozich, Clare (Sen R. Siewert)]

Australia left behind on rights of workers

"With the government's so-called 'fairness' test for workplace
agreements due before the Senate early next week, it is remarkable to
reflect just how far Australia lags behind similar countries like Canada
in protecting the rights of workers", said Senator Siewert.
 
At the same time the Australian Parliament is considering the
government's flawed 'fairness' test for AWAs, the Canadian Supreme Court
has recognised the right of employees to collectively bargain is a
fundamental human right protected by the Canadian Charter of Rights and
Freedoms.
 
"The contrast could not be starker. While other nations around the world
protect the fundamental rights of people to bargain collectively,
Australia's laws and in particular AWAs directly undermine such rights,"
said Senator Siewert.

"The Canadian Supreme Court recognised that the right to bargain
collectively with an employer enhances the human dignity, liberty and
the autonomy of workers. It is exactly these attributes that Work
Choices denies to many employees," she said.

"The government's deeply flawed fairness test does not save it from
breaching this fundamental human right.  In our dissenting report to the
Senate inquiry we highlight the fact that there will be millions of
workers excluded from the provisions of the Bill, only a limited number
of conditions are protected, and there is no open and transparent
decision making process," said Senator Siewert.

"The Bill is nothing more than a cynical ploy on the part of a
government a few months away from losing an election," she concluded.


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

Thursday, 14 June 2007