Workers endorse workplace rights charter

by Maree O'Halloran

To date more than 409 schools, TAFE colleges and other Federation workplaces have met to endorse the ACTU's Charter of Workplace Rights.

The Federal Government's proposed industrial relations laws will place more bargaining power and control in the hands of employers. To emphasise that employers have a responsibility to provide fair remuneration and working conditions, the ACTU has called on all unions and union workplaces to endorse the charter.

Once endorsed the charter can be used as a basis for discussions with Federal Members of Parliament and should also be sent to NSW Premier Morris Iemma. The commitment of the State Government to a fair industrial relations system will be tested in this round of salaries negotiations.

In the week before his resignation, Premier Carr sent a letter to all State Government employees stating, in part: "The Federal Government is planning a hostile takeover of our fair and balanced state-based system." The letter also outlines important conditions that are under threat, including for teachers: "guaranteed teacher preparation time." On the basis of this letter NSW teachers have the right to expect that the State Government will protect or enhance conditions in this salary round.

Please arrange a Federation meeting at your workplace to endorse the charter if you have not had a chance to do so yet.

Maree O'Halloran is the President.

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Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005