Press Release
ACTU Media Release - ACTU calls on Howard Govt to release plan for another wave of IR changes
Tuesday November 20, 2007
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ACTU President Sharan Burrow
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The ACTU today (Tuesday, November 20) called on Prime Minister John Howard to release details of a secret Government plan to take WorkChoices further.
Yesterday the Howard Government won a bid to suppress secret WorkChoices documents including plans for another wave of reforms developed by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
The suppressed Goverment documents include forecasts of rises in unfair dismissals, the likelihood of falls in real incomes for working Australians and the loss of entitlements such as four weeks' annual leave, sick leave, leave loading, shift allowance and penalties by employees.
ACTU President Sharan Burrow said:
"It is appalling that John Howard and Peter Costello are once again not being upfront with the Australian people about their intention for more industrial relations reforms.
"The Liberals have a secret plan to take WorkChoices further after the election but are trying to prevent the public from knowing about it.
"The ACTU believes the Liberals plan to push an extra 1.5 million workers onto AWAs, make further cuts to protections from unfair dismissal and to cut awards following the election.
"It is essential that the Howard Government release these secret WorkChoices documents immediately.
"The Australian public has a right to be fully informed about the Liberals' IR plans before Saturday's election," Ms Burrow said.
Last modified 2007-11-20 10:02 AM
