Brad Norington; 17/11/08; (2 Items)
The Rudd Government’s decision to bring back a central wage umpire with the power to settle pay claims was a return to the “bad old days” and could fuel rising unemployment, an influential business leader has warned. Australian Industry Group chief executive Heather Ridout expressed concern yesterday after Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard said Labor’s new industrial umpire could arbitrate on union pay claims for workers in low-paid industries. In a policy reversal on Friday, Ms Gillard confirmed that Labor would give the umpire power to rule on union pay claims when employers persistently refused to bargain in good faith. Ms Ridout, who is close to Kevin Rudd and sits on key government committees, is bitterly disappointed Ms Gillard bowed to union pressure for Labor’s proposed umpire, Fair Work Australia, to regain the lost arbitration powers.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24661200-2702,00.html
Tide turns on workers’ rights
Jeff Lawrence; 17/11/08
There can no longer be any doubt. The Government’s new industrial relations proposals are definitely not Work Choices Lite. As more details emerge, it is becoming crystal clear they will give Australian workers a comprehensive suite of new legal rights and protections as part of a historic overhaul of our nation’s workplace laws. Central to the proposals are strong rights for workers to collectively bargain and be represented by their union. Labor’s new IR system will be based on collective bargaining, driving better wages and conditions and, at the same time, delivering higher productivity in our workplaces. Significantly, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard has confirmed the industrial umpire will back up these rights with the power to step in and settle disputes where, after all efforts have been made, it is clear an independent umpire is required.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24660153-7583,00.html
