print :

2015-04-10

Unhappy NBN subcontractors

Insecure workers need better protections, say unions

Unions have highlighted the problems facing workers in insecure forms of employment in their submissions to the Productivity Commission’s review of workplace laws.

The growth of “insecure” work such as casual, labour hire and contract-based employment has transformed the Australian workforce over the last two decades.

Employers like to argue that this change has been a win-win result, offering both them and their employees greater “flexibility”.

But the reality is more often financial and personal uncertainty for those workers who have no guarantee of a regular income or regular hours of work and no protections such as sick leave, parental leave or workers’ compensation entitlements.

This situation is not only unfair to those in “insecure” work. It also undermines the position of those in permanent employment by offering employers a cheap alternative workforce.

In its submission the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) says that:

  • Independent contractors or freelancers should be given the same rights and protections as other employees, including the right to bargain collectively
  • Workplace laws should include a legal definition of a casual worker, prerequisites to hire a casual worker and the extension of minimum standards to casual workers
  • Labour hire or temporary workers should have the same rights as permanent employees.

What's New

Telecommunication

Telstra EBA 2018
ACTU turns 90
May Day 2016
Optus EPA approved
Telstra EA Update
Optus award update

Postal

Reps training
Reasonable overtime
Vale Jojie Vivar
Changes to Bulletin
Christmas pay rises
Postal reform
Facebook bullying
Year in review
Vale Jim Armstrong

News

Happy New Year
Happy New Year
Vale Shane Morse
Meeting reminder
Coronavirus Update
METRO RALLY
Reps training
ACTU turns 90
Vale Jojie Vivar
May Day 2016
Facebook bullying
May Day 2015
Working In Heat
Your Union Petition
Save our Posties
Sensis Sell Off
""