Fair employment campaign hots up

Date: 08 February 2001

The Victorian Nationals and Liberals obviously haven't learnt any lessons from their 1999 election defeat. Now they want to block important legislation to protect the state's low paid. Union members are mobilising to remind the opposition parties that the Bracks Government has a mandate to fix up the industrial chaos of the Kennett years.

New laws to protect over 250,000 low paid workers will be debated by the State Parliament on March 20.

The Fair Employment Bill is about a return to fairness. It is the most significant and positive industrial reform for low paid workers to be introduced in Victoria in decades.

But the Bill is in danger - the opposition parties will use their power in the upper house of state parliament to amend or reject the Bill. The Nationals have said they will oppose it and the Liberals are likely to follow.

"Union members and community groups will be involved in a range of activites to make sure the Liberals and Nationals don't sell Victoria's low paid down the drain," said Leigh Hubbard, Trades Hall Council Secretary.

WHY DO WE NEED THE FAIR EMPLOYMENT BILL?

After the abolition of state awards in Victoria, 250,000 low paid workers were treated like second class citizens. These Victorian workers only get a minimum hourly rate of pay and five other conditions. The victims of the Kennett reforms don't get paid leave if a child or parent dies; they don't get overtime for working more than 38 hours; they don't get annual leave loading. They are severely disadvantaged compared to most workers who are on federal awards or have enterprise agreements with around 20 entitlements.

If the Fair Employment Bill is passed, people in many industries will benefit:

• hospitality and retail • cleaning and security • clothing and footwear • agricultural industries • transport and workers in other industries.

The Fair Employment Bill will:

• give stronger protection for low wage workers in a range of industries; for example, outworkers will be employees.
• replace the five current minimum conditions with new standards covering annual leave, bereavement leave, sick leave, parental leave, hours of work and many more.
• restore an independent umpire - a Fair Employment Tribunal will set wages, allowances and other conditions.
• allow the Tribunal to review unfair contracts like those forced on owner-drivers.

You may be covered by an award or an enterprise agreement at your workplace and think that this legislation doesn't affect you, but when some shonky employers are able to undercut those who are doing the right thing, everyone suffers. Wages and conditions are under threat.

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Trades Hall and other unions are organising a number of activities between now and March 20th, but we need a big turnout for events and an extra lobbying effort. Trades Hall can provide speakers to talk to your union branch or a workplace meeting.

Before March 20, tell the Nationals and Liberals that this Bill is important for all Victorians. It will mean that the low paid are able to catch up to workers in other states.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Go to the Trades Hall website and SIGN OUR PETITION - urge others to do so
www.vthc.org.au
Please contact your local MP and let them know you support this Bill
Write to Liberal and National party politicians
Denis Napthine, Leader of the opposition
Parliament House, Melbourne 3002
Tel: 9651 8512 Fax: 9651 8426
Electorate office
Tel: 5523 4366 Fax: 5523 3563
Email: denis.napthine@parliament.vic.gov.au
Mark Birrell
Leader of the Opposition
Legislative Council
Tel: 9888 6244 Fax 9888-6529
Email mark.birrell@parliament.vic.gov.au

Peter Ryan
Leader, National Party
Tel: 5144 1987 Fax: 5144 7086

For further information

Contact:	Jarrod Moran
Union:	Victorian Trades Hall Council - OHS Unit
Phone:	9659 3511
Contact Mobile:	0418 356 164
Email:	jmoran@vthc.org.au
WWW:	http://www.vthc.org.au

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