Rural Workers to be Hardest Hit

Date: 28 October 2005

An analysis of the Federal Government's 'Work Choices' package reveals that workers at 38 rural and regional councils across NSW will lose their rights to claim against unfair dismissal. This will have a catastophic impact on communities where Local Government is a major employer.

A report entitled NSW Local Government 'Work Choices' Impact Analysis was released today by the United Services Union. The Union examined how 'Work Choices' would impact the Local Government (State) Award which regulates the wages and conditions for over 45 000 Council workers in NSW. The results are shocking and leave no doubt that Howard's new workplace laws are an aggressive attack on the employment conditions and rights of workers.

The 'Work Choices' system will abolish the right for workers at 38 rural and regional Councils across the State to make a claim for unfair dismissal. Employees at these councils, who are sacked unfairly, will have nowhere to have their case heard, and no right to fair compensation. This is simply not justified.

"We were horrified at the results of the analysis," said USU General Secretary Brian Harris. "The 'Work Choices' system will see fundamental entitlements, like annual leave, long service leave, even personal leave and carer's leave stripped from Awards. Employees will be much worse off and families will be struck hard," he said.

One of the most deceitful aspects of the Government's campaign is that while promoting 'fairer Australian workplaces', the new system will not allow Awards to contain provisions for paid maternity leave! Women in NSW Local Government fought long and hard to obtain paid maternity leave which is vital to ensuring equality for women in the workforce and makes a big difference to the lives of working families. Now John Howard, with one stroke of a pen, will make it impossible for Awards to provide for paid maternity leave! This is an outrageous attack on the rights of female workers and their families.

The USU Analysis of the Impact of 'Work Choices' on the Local Government (State) Award also reveals the oppressive nature of the Government's attack on Union rights and the right for workers to collectively bargain. "Some basic rights at work will actually be prohibited in the legislation", said General Secretary Brian Harris. "The legislation actually imposes fines for individuals or organisations, who include the right to paid Union training leave in a log of claims!" The basic right to be a Union member and to join together with co-workers to collectively bargain with employers for fair and reasonable pay and conditions are under attack.

"The 'Work Choices' package can only be described as harsh and oppressive," said USU General Secretary Brian Harris. "The new system will benefit bosses and big business.The average worker will be worse off and families will suffer. These disgraceful new laws are quite simply un-Australian".

To obtain a copy of the USU's Analysis of the new laws ring the Union hotline now on 1800 451 604. For further information contact the USU General Secretary Brian Harris on (02) 9265 8211 or USU Manager (Legal) Ben Kruse on 0419 623 984.

For further information

Contact:	Brian Harris
Union:	United Services Union
Phone:	(02) 9265 8211
Email:	united@usu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.usu.org.au

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