Senator Lundy has today called on local employers to allow their employees to attend the National Day of Action on November 30 at Manuka Oval.
“The Howard Government’s Work Choices legislation is not only bad for workers, but it is bad for local small businesses too”, Senator Lundy said today.
While much of the focus has been on what workers stand to lose under Work Choices, small businesses are also having to deal with the effects that the Government’s convoluted new workplace laws are having on their businesses.
Small business owner and independent member of Queanbeyan Council, Steve Taskovski said “The complexity and prescriptive nature of Work Choices makes understanding these new laws almost impossible for many small businesses”.
“Most small business owners want to do the right thing by their employees, but in some cases this legislation penalises employers who are trying to provide their staff with fair pay and conditions”. Mr. Taskovski said.
“I trust my employees and want them to have security in their employment, however the Work Choices legislation prevents me including an unfair dismissal clause in our workplace agreements. In fact, under the legislation I could be fined up to $33,000 for doing so!” Mr. Taskovski said.
“I believe that most responsible small business owners respect their employees and want to provide fair and reasonable conditions. Unfortunately, AWA’s force employers to pit worker against worker, inevitably lowering wages and undermining conditions and the Howard Government’s ‘prohibited content’ laws mean employers and employees can’t agree on the most suitable arrangements for their business”, Senator Lundy said.
“We need to send a clear message to the Howard Government that these laws are not in the best interests of Australian workers or employers. I encourage small business owners to allow their employees to attend this important event and urge them to consider coming themselves” Senator Lundy concluded.
Attached is information provided by the Office of the Employment Advocate (OEA) regarding prohibited content.
Contact: Rachel Allen – 0418 488 295 (Lundy)
Steve Taskovski – 0418 611 044
