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

Vic Government Launches Workplace Rights Advocate

by Brian Boyd-VTHC Secretary

Victorian Industrial Relations Minister Rob Hulls has recently launched a new watchdog aimed at minimising Victorian worker exploitation under the Federal Government’s so called WorkChoices law.  The launch was attended by VTHC and major affiliates’ representatives.  The initiative is considered a first step in a number of responses open to the Bracks’ ALP government

The Office of the Victorian Workplace Rights Advocate will investigate unfair employment practices and provide free telephone advice and website information to people struggling with employers who want to use the Federal IR changes.  The Victorian Government’s public opposition to John Howard’s anti-worker legislation is welcome and acknowledged, however Victorian workers will need much more to defend their hard won wages and conditions.

At the launch, independent research was released, which showed Victorians fear the impact of WorkChoices.

An Australian Research Group (ARG) workplace survey of 1000 Victorian workers conducted in January and February this year found:

  • 78 per cent were concerned about John Howard’s WorkChoices laws
  • 76 per cent believed WorkChoices would offer no greater choice.
  • More than half did not feel confident about negotiating an  individual contract.

The research also confirmed that most workers take what they are offered.  This means they will lose out over time.  Under WorkChoices many workers will be handed below-Award wages, no penalty rates, irregular hours, no job security and reduced holidays.  Simply more workers need to join an appropriate union, particularly in this hostile climate.

The Victorian government will lodge a High Court challenge to WorkChoices, arguing that the Federal Government’s new industrial relations system is unconstitutional.  This move is supported by the VTHC but we are not relying on the outcome.  Instead a strong political and industrial campaign is to be continued in 2006 against John Howard’s laws.  Workers should watch out for updated information over the coming weeks and months.
The Workplace Rights Advocate phone advice service is 1300 882 648.  The web address is www.workplacerights.vic.gov.au


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