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Libs can't answer workers concernsDate: 30 May 2005
Two WA LHMU delegates in Perth waited over two hours on the weekend to put their concerns to Federal Minister Kevin Andrews over his proposed unfair dismissal laws, only to have him talk over the top of them. WA Water maintenance worker Steve Ellis and hospitality worker Karma Lord, both at workplaces with less than 100 employees, wanted to explain to the Minister how losing their workplace rights to claim unfair dismissal made them feel. "I worked hard to be made permanent in my catering job, but these laws will take all of that away," Karma said.
Workplace safety undermined by new dismissal lawsAnd Steve wanted to point out that job insecurity threatened workplace safety."Under these laws, the boss could sack you because you refuse to do a job that is unsafe. " They don't have to give a reason for sacking you - so what's to stop them doing that?"
Minister talks over the top of LHMU membersKarma and Steve tried to speak to the Federal Minister as he left the Perth meeting he was attending - but he simply talked over the top of them, telling them that the proposed system was good for employers, more flexible and would mean workers would earn higher wages.When Karma and Steve tried to explain their concerns about the unfair dismissal laws, and about doing away with overtime and shift penalties, the Minister kept talking and repeating that they would be better off. He then got in his car and told his ministerial driver to take off.
While WA Libs speak out against national takeover of workplace laws they're not pro-workerKevin Andrews was in Perth to try to sell his industrial relations package to the State Council of the WA Liberal Party.Their WA leader Matt Birney has been speaking out against the Federal Government taking over state industrial systems. But when LHMU WA Secretary Dave Kelly introduced Steve and Karma to Matt Birney to explain how the changes to IR laws affected them, Mr Birney had nothing to say. "I support changing the unfair dismissal laws. Employers should be able to hire and fire - a lot of these business people have a lot at stake in their business, they have their houses on the line..." We must engage with politicians and the community"I have a house too. What about my job security?," Karma asked the WA Liberal leader.Matt Birney had nothing to say to this. "It is essential that we maximise every opportunity to talk about how these IR changes will affect real people," Dave Kelly said. "We are not just talking rhetoric here. These are people with lives to lead and they need their jobs. From what I saw today, I don't think a lot of the Liberal Party understand that," Dave Kelly said.
Further media comment:Dave Kelly, LHMU WA08 9388 5400
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