Fighting for workers
I WRITE in response to Debra Gibson’s ill- informed letter on 10/ 7/ 18: “Labor has lost its way”.
Firstly, the role of the unions is to enforce workers’ wages and job conditions.
Just to name a few things that unions have delivered for workers over the years – annual leave, superannuation, redundancy pay, long service leave, unfair dismissal protection and awards.
The unions have always stood shoulder to shoulder with workers and continue to fight for workers’ rights today. This year we saw over 200,000 union members and workers march for workers’ rights and to “Change the Rules”.
This was a powerful message sent to all political persuasions.
Labor has been very clear in their stance for workers’ pay and workers’ rights.
They have developed policy and reform that reflects the needs of Australian workers and the dismal situation Australia finds itself in under the leadership of Malcolm Turnbull.
Labor has announced they will reform the definition of “casual” to ensure workers are not entering sham contracting arrangements that avoid direct employment.
They have also stated their priority of putting local jobs first. Labor’s Australian Skills Authority will ensure that temporary visas are only made available when genuine skills gaps cannot be met with local workers.
This is positive policy that not only will benefit Australia but in particular Townsville.
Under a Labor government we will also see one in 10 positions on Commonwealth infrastructure projects filled by an apprentice – and of course within the first 100 days of Labor forming government they will reverse the cuts to penalty rates. In contrast to this we are seeing an LNP Government prioritise lining their own pockets before the interest of workers.
Their absolute demolition of tertiary, vocational education and training has fuelled the fire we are seeing today in regards to skills gaps and shortages.
Under the Turnbull Government we have seen consistent attacks on workers’ pay and most certainly the attacks on unions.
The LNP are fearful that they may see a repeat of the John Howard ousting after his poor leadership for WorkChoices. It is very clear that when the unions are united for workers’ rights they will not be defeated. MAIGAN HAYWARD, Rangewood.