Workers Return to Dump Reith's Third

Date: 26 May 2000

Sydney workers will return to the streets on June 5 as part of a growing campaign to persuade the Australian Democrats to block Peter Reith's latest attempt to undermine the collective rights of workers.

The rally will coincide with the handing down of a Senate inquiry into the legislation, which today will hear submissions from workers representatives and community groups about the impact of the proposals.

That inquiry began hearing submissions in Canberra today, with the ACTU and individual unions urging the Demorcats to use their control of the Senate to vote with Labor to reject the proposals outright.

Most concern revolves around plans to outlaw industry wide bargaining. While the Government says the change is aimed at targeting militant building unions, workers in industries as diverse as finance, retail and media will be affected.

Under the changes industry-wide campaigns on issues such as family friendly hours and standard clauses in short-term contracts will be outlawed.

ACTU President Sharan Burrow says workers are looking to the Democrats to protect their rights at work.

"The community knows that Peter Reith has already swung the pendulum too far in favour of employers," Burrow says. "His latest plans will tip the balance even further."

The ACTU has also criticised the rushed timetable for public consultation on the Bill. More than 15 unions have lodged written submissions opposing the laws but only a small number including those from the finance (FSU), retail (SDA) and manufacturing (AMWU) sectors will be able to give verbal evidence.

Rats Make a Statement

The cast of the popular TV show Water Rats held a media conference this week to highlight the impact of the changes on actors - who would be forced to negotiate separate agreements for each production, rather than having the certainty of industry standards.

Rats' star Steve Bisley told the media that the changes would wreak havoc on actors, with the prospect of individual negotiations with each production house for short-term work

"We all have the power to bargain within this set-up now, so why throw it out?" Bisley says.

Another Wave Rolls Into Town

The Sydney rally will see a return to the scene of last year's successful Second Wave Rally outside government offices in Phillip Street from 12.30pm.

Thousands of workers from both blue collar and white collar industries will converge on the city to send their message to the Democrats.

The rally will feature surf legends 'The Wets Suits'- who include former members of the Hoodoo Gurus and Weddings, Parties, Anything - and a series of rank and file speakers rather than full-time union officials. Entertainer Su Cruikshank will MC the day.

A flier for the event can be downloaded at:

ACTU Cyber Campaign

Meanwhile, workers can apply virtual pressure on the Democrats by joining the ACTU's cyber-campaign against the Reith laws.

Through the special website, workers can sign an online petition which will be presented to the Democrat Senators, and get details of upcoming events.

Full details at: http://www.actu.asn.au

For further information

Contact:	Peter Lewis
Union:	Labor Council of NSW
WWW:	http://workers.labor.net.au/

LaborNET is proudly created, designed and programmed
by Social Change Online for the Labor Council of NSW
[Credits] [Site Matters]