Press Release
Meet with workers before you vote – union leader urges Joyce
Wednesday November 23, 2005
|
|
NUW NSW Branch Secretary, Derrick Belan
|
The leader of the NSW Branch of the National Union of Workers has invited Senator Barnaby Joyce to meet with workers before he votes on the Workplace Relations Amendment (WorkChoices) Bill in the Senate next week.
NUW State Secretary Derrick Belan said it was crucial for Senator Joyce to meet with the workers who would be most affected by the IR changes.
“I have invited Senator Joyce to meet with as many of our members as he wishes. He needs to hear the concerns of ordinary workers. He needs to understand what they are feeling; that this proposed legislation will hurt them and their families,” Belan said.
The National Union of Workers has members in warehousing and distribution, and as well as coverage over commercial salespeople, cable & plastics workers and pastry cooks.
“The IR changes will have a dramatic effect on the take-home pay and conditions of workers, especially those low-paid and low-skilled workers.
“Young people and people from non-English speaking communities will be most disadvantaged. It will have far reaching social and economic ramifications on ordinary Australian families. This proposal will enact a dramatic cultural shift in this country.
“Considering the importance of this proposed legislation, I feel it is only fair and wise for Senator Joyce to take up my offer and meet and listen to the voices of workers.
“Workers are not stupid. They know that Howard’s IR plans will hurt them. They see through the slick ads and political spin. They have been lied to before and as the polling suggests they have had enough of the lies.
"They are not falling for John Howard's WorkChoices scam.
“I just hope Senator Joyce is wise enough and open enough to take the opportunity to listen to the voices of workers and then make a decent decision when it comes time to vote on the IR changes,” Belan said.
Last modified 2005-11-23 05:12 PM
