SKIP TO MAIN CONTENT

Liberals 'are reviving Work Choices'

More than two million workers risk major pay cuts and potentially their jobs under a coalition government, the ACTU says.

workers_farmers_L_090910_aap_1638589130

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Skip to article content

More than two million workers risk major pay cuts and potentially their jobs under a coalition government, the ACTU says.

The union is worried what will happen if Opposition Leader Tony Abbott, who has flagged a return to non-union workplace agreements, is elected.

Asked how a coalition government would guarantee workers were not screwed over by individually negotiated contracts, Mr Abbott told Fairfax Radio on Tuesday workers were protected by minimum rates of pay.

News that makes sense

Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

But "no minimum hours?" he was asked.

Casuals 'at risk'

"Well, I mean if it suits them and it suits the boss, why shouldn't it be able to happen?" Mr Abbott replied.

It was clear the opposition planned to scrap the requirement for casuals to work a minimum number of hours each week, ACTU president Sharan Burrow said.

"Losing a guarantee of minimum hours of work will put at risk the income and job security of 2.5 million Australian workers who are employed casually," she said in a statement.

"Tony Abbott's plan means employers would be able to call in staff and send them home after as little as half an hour."

Work Choices was being revived, Ms Burrow said.


Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world