Protest staged against Australian government’s newly proposed anti-union legislation

Union and community activists rallied in front of the Embassy of Australia here today to protest the Australian government’s newly proposed industrial relations legislation. The legislation, introduced by Prime Minister John Howard, will dramatically reduce the rights of workers to union representation, collective bargaining, minimum employment standards and protection from unfair dismissal.

The protest was done in coordination with the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), which organized a national day of protest across Australia where hundreds of thousands of workers were scheduled to take part in events, as well as with other solidarity demonstrations that took place in many other countries. ACTU president Sharan Burrow stated, “We are grateful for the support and solidarity we have received from workers around the world who are standing with us today. Prime Minister Howard risks isolating Australia further in the world community with these new laws that threaten the basic rights and living standards of Australian workers.”

AFL-CIO president John Sweeney also expressed concern about the proposed law. Sweeney said the legislation would “dramatically reduce the rights of workers, and provide employers with virtually total power to decide terms and conditions of employment.” A letter of support for Australian workers from President Sweeney was delivered to Australian Ambassador Dennis Richardson at the completion of the rally.

Key parts of the new laws include:

· Removing protection from unfair dismissal for all workers in workplaces employing less than 100 workers;

 · Pushing workers onto individual employment contracts;

· Heavy restrictions on trade union activities, including on the right to talk with workers in their workplace;

· Imposing extremely narrow limits on the matters that can be the subject of collective bargaining. Unions can be fined $30,000 if they seek to reach agreement with employers on unfair dismissal, union training leave, use of subcontractors and a range of other matters;

· Removal of the right to public holidays for many workers, and weakened provisions for annual leave;

· Employers will be able to decide unilaterally on annual leave bonuses, meal and rest breaks, overtime rates and other provisions for many workers, especially younger workers and those starting a new job;

· Protection for employees who refuse unsafe or unhealthy work will be reduced; and

· The government will be able to stop industrial action if it decides the action is detrimental to the economy.

For more information, contact:
Robert Masciola 202-637-3948