[Greens-Media] Forward with Fairness for who? Not workers.

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Forward with Fairness for who? Not workers.
Thursday 6th November 2008

The Government's Forward with Fairness industrial relations policy is
simply a continuation of the Howard doctrine, say the Australian Greens.

"The more details we hear of the Government's industrial relations
legislation, the clearer it becomes that they are delivering Work
Choices-lite," said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.

"Yesterday, Julia Gillard unveiled her legislation to the State
Ministers, who will need to carefully consider what workers will lose
before considering referring industrial relations powers to the
Commonwealth. State jurisdictions currently provide better protection
for workers through comprehensive award systems and superior dispute
resolution processes through their industrial relations commissions."

"The ALP went to the last election promising to abolish Work Choices and
restore fairness to Australia's workplaces. But instead, since forming
Government, they have kept many of the fundamental underpinnings of the
Howard laws," said Senator Siewert.

"Working families are facing tough times ahead. The Government needs to
explain how their laws will help provide job security for all workers,
how employees can gain more control over their working hours and how
Forward with Fairness will assist to close the gender pay gap."

"The Greens will subject this legislation to close scrutiny in the
Senate, ensuring it protects the rights and responsibilities that
provide dignity and a decent standard of living to all Australian
workers," she concluded.

For more information or media enquiries please call Tim Norton on 0418
401 180