Barnaby Joyce strikes again. Given that he was elected as a Senator for the Queensland Nationals rather than the Coalition Nationals, it seems as though he may hold quite a bit of power from 1 July on.
Plans for workplace may cause baby crisisUnder a timetable confirmed yesterday by federal Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews, the Coalition hopes to have legislation passed by the end of the year for immediate operation.
Agreed. The issue is important.Generator said:Labouring under an illusion of workplace reform. Another opinion piece. Sorry about the bump, but I think that this issue is too important for it to just be 'forgotten'.
It depends. Striking does nothing to the image of the unions.blackfriday said:a few months ago, the unions were in ample position to turn the screw on employers and make lots of progress in wage increases and benefits since we had and still have a shortage of labour. if they applied sufficient pressure and chucked in a few strikes, i'm sure employers would have had to cave in to some demands. now here we are, a month before the libs have full senate control and they have done nothing. i know that lots of employees are now on australian workplace agreements but if the unions had gained the bargaining power ascendancy, they would be in a better position when employers do start taking advantage of the new reforms and the impact of those reforms would be softened, am i right?
$17 award wage increase
By Nick O'Malley and AAP
June 7, 2005 - 11:05AM
The Australian Industrial Relations Commission has today awarded Australia's lowest paid workers a pay rise of $17 a week.
The wage case finding is likely to be the commission's last before the Howard Government's proposed Fair Pay Commission takes over...
ALP dubs new IR body 'low pay commission'
The World Today - Tuesday, 7 June , 2005 12:14:00
Reporter: Alexandra Kirk
ELEANOR HALL: Now to reaction in the national capital and the Federal Government is giving little away on its view of the commission's decision, refusing to say whether it regards the $17 a pay rise as too much or to speculate on the effect it might have on employment.
Instead Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews says the Government's proposed Fair Pay Commission will make future minimum wage decisions with more "economic rigour".
The Federal Labor Party, though, is insisting that workers will be worse off under the new commission, dubbing it a "low pay commission".
And the Australian Democrats say today's pay award is likely to be the last substantial wage rise before the Government leads the charge for lower wages.
From Canberra, Alexandra Kirk reports...
End of an era for industrial relations
The World Today - Tuesday, 7 June , 2005 12:18:00
Reporter: Alison Caldwell
ELEANOR HALL: Former Judge Paul Munro, who retired from the Industrial Relations Commission last year, is today expressing concern about the changes being proposed by the Federal Government.
Speaking to Alison Caldwell, Justice Munro, who spent almost two decades on the industrial courts bench, says he is fearful that we are now seeing the end of an era of fiercely independent wage judgements...
i'm sure if some perspective was attained then most would oppose itNot-That-Bright said:People do care, It's just that most people support the Industrial relations reforms (or at least don't feel the need to oppose them), so what exactly are they supposed to say?
the government refuses to approach an issue directly because they know that it wouldn't be supported by a majority if they weren't deceptiveAsquithian said:Nows thats saying something for an informed liberal democracy. Even those who have some level of interest in politics really do not have any idea.
Major reforms and no one seems to know.
Conservative politics has learn that there is no point debating with the other side. Just simply ignore them and avoid all attention.
For example Tony Abbot and such drop the abortion issue out there in the media. They flag it as an issue. But refuse to debate anyone directly.
regrettable ehNot-That-Bright said:That is true, and it makes me sad in question time when they avoid questions... but it's all just a part of politics I guess
I don't think there's enough info out there to judge what the consequences will be and so the issue isn't really one which is at the forefront of ppl's minds.Asquithian said:Really?
If you asked the average person in the street they wouldnt have the first clue about the details of the government plans for industrial relations. None would know the implications.