Friday 23 January 2015

The Andrews Labor Government has called on the Abbott Federal Government to rule out an attack on the pay and conditions of Victorian workers, following the accidental release of five Productivity Commission issues papers.

The papers, the result of a review ordered by Tony Abbott into workplace relations, deal with the minimum wage, penalty rates, unfair dismissal and anti-bullying laws

Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins said the releases showed that everything was on the table for the Abbott Government when it came to workers’ wages and conditions.

The release follows the Abbott Government’s earlier Commission of Audit which recommended changes to the Fair Work Act, including a reduction in the minimum wage.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Industrial Relations, Natalie Hutchins

“For the sake of Victorian workers, Tony Abbott must rule out an attack of penalty rates, allowances and working conditions like unfair dismissal and anti-bullying laws.”

“This appears to be WorkChoices all over again. These papers read like a shopping list of ways to attack working people – including seeking options for employers to take action against their workers, ways to open up independent contracting and increasing the number of sponsored foreign workers.”

“The Victorian Liberals need to stand up for the state’s workers and condemn any attempt by their Canberra counterparts to weaken working rights.”