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

Fix WorkCover Campaign - Boosted by big rally turn-out

8 October 2008
A meeting of about 500 workplace delegates and OH&S reps has called on the State Government to enter into immediate discussions with unions over the implementation of the recommendations of the Hanks Review of WorkCover.

Meeting at Storey Hall at RMIT in Melbourne, they heard reports on how the adoption of many of the Hanks Review recommendations would attack the rights of injured workers.

The workplace delegates and OH&S reps unanimously passed the following resolution:

“This meeting of union delegates and OH&S Rep’s calls on the state Labor Government to fully implement its elections promises to provide improved benefits for injured workers.

In July 1999, in ‘News from Labor’, the shadow Minister for WorkCover Rob Hulls stated: ‘Victorian Labor recognizes the need to expand the Conciliation Service’s powers and ensure the impartiality of Conciliation Officers’.

In 1999 the ALP election pledge said: ‘Labor supports the rights of Victorian workers to a fair and equitable system of workers’ compensation.’

In 2002 the ALP pledged itself to: ‘Maximising the successful return to work of injured workers’ and,

In 2006 the ALP policy declared: ‘Labor is committed to improved workers’ compensation arrangements for Victorians. Labor will review the Accident Compensation Act 1985 to ensure workers receive the assistance, support and benefits they deserve.’

This meeting demands that the state Labor Government reach agreement with the Victorian Trades Hall Council on the following threshold issues.

· Increased Weekly Payments

· Introduction of automatic payments

· Coverage of all stress injuries

· An improved dispute resolution process

· Improved Return to Work Rights for workers

· Greater protection from discrimination and,

· Greater protection for outworkers”


More Archive

Powered By three squares