[Greens-Media] Report shows awards centrally important to Australian workplaces

[Norton, Tim (Sen R. Siewert)]

Report shows awards centrally important to Australian workplaces
Wednesday 29th October 2008

The Australian Greens today welcomed the second report from the
Australia at Work project, highlighting the importance of awards in
Australian workplaces.

"This report provides invaluable research and insights into the real
problems facing people in today's Australian workplaces," said Senator
Rachel Siewert.

"The report's findings on awards are particularly significant. Awards
remain an historical and enduring legacy of Australia's unique workplace
relations system, and are still of direct relevance to a large number of
workers. Importantly, many workers earning more than $100 000 a year
continue to rely on awards. Given these findings there is no
justification for the Government's current policy of removing award
protection for those workers."

"With workers reporting that awards determine their pay and conditions
more than collective agreements, the integrity of the award system is
vital for creating fair workplaces. The Greens have already expressed
serious concerns about the deterioration of conditions through the award
modernisation process," said Senator Siewert.

The Greens agree with the Report's findings that it is essential that
awards are reviewed frequently and not just every four years.

"Another notable finding is that working hours continue to be a major
problem for Australian workers, with some of the worst conditions in the
OECD. Too many full time workers are working extremely long hours,
whilst at the same time, many part time workers wish to work more
hours."

"The Greens are very concerned that 'Forward with Fairness' does not
create the framework to address this vitally important issue for
Australian workers and their families and calls on the Government to
review their approach particular to awards," concluded Senator Siewert.

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