Alliance Workers' Rights policy 2005
The low-down

Increases in profits usually come at the expense of workers. Low hourly rates and the loss of overtime rates mean low-paid workers are worse off in real terms than they were 15 years ago. Workers often work long hours just to make ends meet.

The economy grew 4% last year, but the average worker only saw a 2.7% rise in pay.

Unemployment is at an all-time low, but many jobs are part-time or casual. These workers often miss out on basic entitlements and are easily dismissed from their jobs.

The Alliance increased the minimum wage when we were in Government and we scrapped youth rates for 18 and 19 year olds. But the minimum wage is still too low at $9.50.

The State contracts out health services such as aged care to private providers, or cleaning in hospitals, but does nothing to ensure workers get a living wage and decent conditions.

The next steps

Increase the minimum wage: The Alliance will push for a minimum wage of $15 an hour. We oppose discriminatory youth rates. Everyone (those with jobs and beneficiaries) should get a living wage.

Excessive hours: We will fight for a 35-hour working week with no loss of pay, and immediate introduction of 4 weeks annual leave. Workers should have the right to refuse unreasonable hours or shift work.

Responsible contracting: Where employers get public money to deliver services, we say they should be required to meet national standards in pay and conditions.

Protection for casual workers: We will make sure there are protections for casual and part-time workers and make it possible for them to carry over service from job to job so they qualify for sick leave and parental leave. Casual workers should get a day in lieu if they work on a public holiday like everyone else.

Redundancy: All workers should have the right to a minimum redundancy payment, but many do not have the power to negotiate this. Minimum redundancy should be 4 weeks pay, plus 2 weeks for every year of service.

Pay equity: Pay inequities will be reduced when we have free childcare, after-school care and when the work that women commonly do is rewarded with decent pay.

Paid Parental leave: The Alliance says there should be 12 months paid parental leave for primary caregivers and their partners should have 2 weeks paid parental leave.

National pay and conditions: The Alliance would strengthen collective bargaining to move from multi-employer and multi-union collective agreements to national pay and conditions across industries and occupations. We would remove restrictions that allow free-loaders to get out of paying bargaining fees.

Right to strike: The Alliance supports workers’ right to strike to enforce their Collective Agreement, to oppose lay-offs, to support other workers and for political reasons.

Workplace democracy: Workers should have a say in the way work is organised. The Alliance would push for employment legislation to ensure greater workplace democracy.
- posted by Victor @ 7:40 PM