1st August 2005

Dear Senator ,

I am writing to you to express my deep concern with the proposed changes to workplace legislation. I am a diligent worker and I am worried about the impact of theses changes on my situation, and the situation of my fellow workers. I was hoping you might be able to answer some questions about the legislation.

The Industrial Relations Commissions at the State and Federal level are important institutions offering independent protection for every employee. In disputes of an industrial nature, I fear that having only a Federal commission would become a large obstacle for resolving local matters. Why do the State Commissions need to be disabled?

I understand that the responsibility of setting the minimum wage will be removed from the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. Can you explain the rationale behind this decision? Why shouldn't the minimum wage be determined by an independent institution? This change appears to be aimed at satisfying the requests of the large corporations, at the expense of the average Australian.

I am also disturbed by the notion that employees will not have a real choice between Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) and the ability to collectively bargain. This is illustrated with the introduction of compulsory AWAs in the tertiary sector. The universities already are able to offer AWAs or collective agreements. Why is it that this government is forcing the universities to offer AWAs? Funding for universities will be withheld if they do not offer AWAs. I do not see how this arrangement is anything short of blackmail in the industrial relations arena. I appreciate that employees should be able to choose, but why should the universities be forced to offer AWAs? I feel that this shows the true intent of the government. How can you demonstrate that this legislation is offering workers a genuine choice?

Further, why should the number of allowable matters covered by the awards be reduced? Is this another angle to force employees choose AWAs? Many occupations that are critical to this country depend on the conditions covered by awards. I can only see bad tidings for the economies as the builders, nurses and childcare workers are forced to take home less pay. Some industries covered by the existing awards are already having a skills crisis, how do you think these changes will impact on hospitals? Junior members of the workforce are often dependent on award conditions. How will this affect all the students working across the country in schools and universities? With the ageing population, how will superannuation requirements be determined?

Coupled with this, the changes to unfair dismissal laws is a source of heartfelt stress. For Australians working in smaller companies, this will reduce their job security and financial security. I feel this will impact on the plans of Australians, in particular when buying a home and planning education for the children of Australia. The introduction of "unlawful dismissal" legislation, coupled with the real possibility of a stagnant minimum wage has the potential to increase the gap between the upper and lower classes. The impact of this can be seen in the United States. I do not want to see the same happen here.

Can you explain the impact of the new legislation on the ability of unions to represent employees? I have known fellow workers to be intimidated and bullied within the workplace. Without the support of the union, this employee would have been forced to leave. Continuing with the theme "choice", why can't employees choose to be represented by a trade union? Why does access for union officials need to be restricted? The twin combination of the unlawful dismissal changes and the access to the union strike me as particularly un-Australian.

During the last election, the government did not make clear the intended changes in industrial relations. I feel the government does not have a mandate for these changes, the government was elected on the strength of other issues. It would take a strong argument for me to see these legislative changes as necessary, but perhaps with the answers to my questions, you may be able to offer some insight.

Regards,

Okay, so I've been busy. But I did get to meet Greg Combet the other day. Impressive speaker, but does he appeal to every demographic.

I also inadvertently gate-crashed La Nadine's party. They reserved the only smoking area in the pub on Foveaux St. I was promptly told the area was reserved, in no uncertain terms mind you. I noticed Nadine on the way out. And they moan about single men in Sydney. To think, I could have met msfits. I'm really too shy for that.