Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews is trying to shift the blame for the government's new workplace laws onto employers, accusing them of misusing the controversial changes to justify sackings.
The move comes as Prime Minister John Howard backed recent comments by Mr Andrews that the laws' benefits would be seen in the longer term, not in a matter of months.
Labor and the unions are reporting sackings across the country that they say are the result of the sweeping changes which came into force last Monday.
But Mr Andrews is pointing the finger at the bosses, and urges them to take a deep breath and seek advice before jumping the gun and sacking workers.