New Survey Shows 72% Oppose Removal of Protection from Unfair Dismissal

A new national survey shows John Howard’s industrial relations proposals are considered a major win for big business at the expense of Australian workers.

The national survey of 600 voters, conducted last week found that 60% of Australians believe that the changes would be bad for the average worker and that nearly three in four (72%) Australians are opposed to removing protection from unfair dismissal.

Releasing the poll results today, ACTU Secretary, Greg Combet said:

"The Federal Government's changes to industrial relations laws will destroy the award system, limit the ability of workers to collectively bargain, abolish unfair dismissal protection for nearly four million people, weaken the Industrial Relations Commission & hold down minimum wages.

"This survey shows that 62% of Australians believe that wages will be reduced under John Howard's new laws, and 69% of people believe that the laws will create greater fear in the work place. 58% of people polled disagreed that the laws would made workplaces more flexible for the benefit or workers and 64% believe that the changes will reduce job security.

"It's an absolute farce for the Federal Government to try and spin these new laws as anything other than cowering to the pressure of big business. Our polling shows that people do not believe the Government, and that Howard has overstepped the mark.

"The national poll shows that 82% of those surveyed were very concerned in the reduction of the ability of workers to collectively bargain with their employer and 70% thought that the reduced role of the Australian Industrial Relations Commission was a bad idea.

"The Australian public is very concerned that the Howard Government will soon have control of the Senate and they certainly understand that the path is wide open for the abuse power.

"There is a clear attempt to alter the role of the Industrial Relations Commission and the intention to introduce a new body is clearly designed to hold down minimum wage rises. Australians understand that this attack on workers rights is also aimed at unions and they strongly reject the notion that unions should be locked out work places.

• 60% of those surveyed disapproved of the Government having control in the Senate.

• 85% believed that unions should have a right to enter workplaces to talk to their members.

• 59% of people say that pay and conditions are generally better in a unionised workplace.

• 65% agreed that the IR changes will weaken unions and that this is a bad thing.

• 84% disagreed with the statement that Australia would be better off without unions.

National Secretary Craig Thomson said "these proposed changes represent the greatest attack on families and workers in a generation.

These changes will affect all aspects of a persons work and family life and dramatically increase the feeling of insecurity that people are experiencing at the moment.

Health workers who look after the most vulnerable and needy in our community will find themselves the victims of a heartless government

We know that the Government intends to try and weaken the role which unions play in Australia and we are sending a message today that we are not going to walk away.

We do this with the knowledge that we have the support of all Australians - only by working together will working families be able to succeed in making sure everyone gets a fair go at work

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© 2003 Health Services Union (HSU)
This page: http://www.hsua.org.au/campaigns/yourrightsatwork/news/1117587725_7617.html
Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-Nov-2005 17:19:23 EST

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