Television ads alert people to the danger ahead

The ACTU and unions are using television advertisements to make sure people know exactly how bad the Howard Government's proposed changes to workplace laws are.

The advertisements show how taking away rights to unfair dismissal can wreak havoc on Australian families and how individual contracts will undermine job security and take home pay.

ACTU President Sharan Burrow said research showed that few Australians were aware of the changes being proposed - but that once they understood the changes they overwhelmingly opposed them.

"Now that he has control of the Senate John Howard is trying to take away workers' rights by pushing through complex legal changes with little public debate.

"The challenge for unions is to make the public aware about what is at stake and hold the government accountable for this attack on working families.

The advertising campaign will be backed by action in workplaces and communities around the nation, as unions mobilise opposition to the changes.

"Making work less secure impacts on families and the community. These laws are not just an attack on unions they are and attack on the living standards of every Australian worker. They would be a backward step for working families at a time when many of them are already struggling just to keep their heads above water", Ms Burrow said.

The workplace changes announced by the Federal Government include plans to:

• Abolish protection from unfair dismissal for 3.6 million workers employed in companies with less than 100 staff;

• Allow employers to put workers onto individual contracts that cut take-home pay and reduce employment conditions to only 5 minimum standards - workers who refuse to sign may fear being sacked;

• Change the way minimum wages are set to make them lower

Unions believe the changes threaten the basic rights, pay and entitlements of Australian workers and a national week of union and community action is planned for June 27 - July 1.

You can view the ads here

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© 2003 Health Services Union (HSU)
This page: http://www.hsua.org.au/campaigns/yourrightsatwork/news/1119223553_11335.html
Last Modified: Wednesday, 16-Nov-2005 17:19:22 EST

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