This entire IR debate has become a farce..So over it..
An example of an existent 'workchoices' in my workplace. Firstly, the current award stipulates that I must receive $1.75 for every 6 hours I work as a so-called 'Laundry Allowance'. My employer has individually spoken to each employee to determine whether they would prefer to receive that or free meals whilst working and half-price meals every other time. Obviously I chose the latter. Furthermore, for public holidays our employer has also negotiated with each employee to earn 1.5 time as oppose to double time, with a cash-in-hand agreement. this not only reduces the burden placed upon the finances of the business, but concurrently benefits each employee. Now whilst not 'workchoices' as such, it is an example of the benefits of workplace flexibilty..
He is adamant that the vast majority of employers, particularly in small business such as himself, are not going to sacrifice the quality of their employees, products or productivity for the alternative option. Moreover, we are in a current situation where there is almost a shortage of workers, which most people are aware, and sacrificing one's best employees in many industries simply isn't an option.
It is merely an ideological battle between the spent force often referred to as the unions, and the political right. All I can say is that nothing will be worse than the conditions, both economically and socially, that existed under the accord of the 1980's. As Alexander Downer rightly stated, the 'nanny state' is a spent force and any aligned notion is completely redundant.
The truth will not be known by the rhetoric of :
- John Howard/The Government
- The ALP
- Business Movements
- The Unions or
- University Academia...
As with the GST, the only true indicator of its effects will be the period 3-5 years after it's implementation...this speculation by all parties I'm sure is driving everyone insane..
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