[Greens-Media] Coalition's Extraordinary Attack on Public Sector Workers

[David Shoebridge]

Coalition's Extraordinary Attack on Public Sector Workers
Media Release - 25 May 2011
 
The NSW Coalition has labelled the response to its plan to seize control of public sector wages as "hysterical" however what the Coalition is not telling the public is that the legislation will, if passed, give the government absolute power over the wages and conditions of the public sector.  (SMH 25/5 page 1 http://j.mp/kO9iHZ )
NSW Greens MP and Industrial Relations spokesperson David Shoebridge said of the proposed law:
"While the government's current policy is for an effective 12 month wage freeze, if the legislation passes there is nothing to stop the government from changing its policy to introduce wage cuts and reduced conditions 12 months from now.
"The detail of the bill put before Parliament late yesterday reveals the government's true intent is to seize total control of all public sector wages and conditions. 
"Under the guise of budget sustainability, the government is giving itself the ability to slash, at will, the wages and conditions of public sector workers in NSW.
"This is yet another attack on workplace conditions and safety in NSW, the bill before parliament removes the role of the Industrial Relations Commission in setting public sector wages.
"The government's attack on the Commission, if successful, will have profound implications for the ability of unions and public sector associations to argue for fair and reasonable salaries and conditions. 
"The Industrial Relations Commission is a crucial independent umpire between public sector workers and the government. Its role and independence must be protected.
"This move by the government is just the latest in a series of attacks on the Industrial Relations Commission by the O'Farrell government. 
"The Greens NSW are working with all interested parties to prevent it from becoming law.
"The Greens NSW will continue to stand up for the independence of the Industrial Relations Commission and the important role it plays in mediating between the government and its employees," Mr Shoebridge said.
More information: 9230 3030 | 0433 753 376
 
 
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David Shoebridge
Greens MLC
NSW Parliament
PH: (02) 9230 3030
FX: (02) 9230 2159
www.davidshoebridge.org.au