Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.

Victorian Trades Hall Council Delegates commit to fight for a fair and universal industrial relation

Victorian Trades Hall today launched its campaign against the Howard Government's proposed changes to the industrial relations system during a meeting at Dallas Brooks Hall where delegates committed to fight for a fair and universal system that protects workers.

In 2005, while interest rates rise and businesses make record profits, the government wants to cut the wages of Australian workers. From 1 July, upon taking control of the Senate, the Federal Government plans to rip up the workplace rulebook and remove the fair standards applying to all workers. Federal Workplace Relations Minister, Kevin Andrews, refuses to guarantee that no worker will be worse off under the proposed changes. This means workers WILL be worse off. Australians will work harder, longer and for less pay.

Victorian union members vowed to stand up to this and passed a resolution demanding:

· Comprehensive and reasonable award wages and conditions and a regular minimum wage adjustment set by an independent AIRC (Australian Industrial Relations Commission)

· A system that applies to all workers without discrimination

· The right for workers to organise and collectively bargain (at either the workplace or industry level) and not be forced into inferior individual contracts

· The right to join a union and have immediate access to union advice, assistance and advocacy

· The right to take industrial action and not face fines or jail

Unions plan a strong campaign aimed at forcing the government to rethink its position on industrial matters. Victorian unions endorsed a stop work and rally on 30 June, the day before the government gains control of the Senate where they are expected to use their majority to force through a raft of changes aimed at curtailing a wide range of hard-won workers' rights.

The resolution says the real problem lies with the Federal Government's lack of investment in skills and infrastructure, not industrial relations.

Union delegates called on the ALP nationally to commit to fighting against these changes and to reverse any changes when in office and urged the Bracks Government to explore all possible means, including legislation, to protect Victorian workers and their families.

Delegates were urged to form a united front in Victoria and nationally conduct a long-term campaign against these changes and the Howard Government.

They endorsed the ACTU resolution of March 16, urging all unions to stop work and attend the FAIR FOR ALL RALLY on Thursday 30 June and commit to promoting it in workplaces, industries and communities. They urged other states to do the same and endorse the need for further action in late August/September. All delegates were encouraged to hold a workplace meeting to discuss these issues and to call on their employer to reject the Howard agenda.

What you can do:

Get active in your work place and your community!

Here are some practical ways of ensuring that you and your workmates are not forced to work harder for less.

1. Pass a workplace motion opposing the Government's proposals and calling on your employer to guarantee that your current wages and conditions will be maintained and that they will respect your right to collectively bargain.

2. Make an appointment with your local federal member of Parliament and present the motion to him/her. Let them know how the changes will disadvantage you and your family.

3. Talk to your workmates who are not in a union about why there has never been a better time to join and why if the government gets their laws through, we will have to stick together to keep our livelihoods. Work towards majority union membership in your area by talking to people and educating them about how these changes will affect them.

4. Stay informed and involved through checking the Trades Hall and ACTU websites for regular updates (www.vthc.org.au or www.actu.asn.au) and becoming involved in your union.

5. Take your message to the community. Ring talkback radio and tell them how your life and the life of your family will change for the worse if you have to work harder and longer for less pay. 3AW (03) 9696 1278, 3LO 1300 222 774, Regional Drive 1880 033 800. Speak at your local sports club, parents group, community group etc. about the changes. Your union and Trades Hall will have material available to help you explain these changes to others.

Stop Work and Rally -

June 30

10am Trades Hall


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