NSW opposition sets sights on gig economy

The NSW opposition says it will empower the Industrial Relations Commission to make orders on minimum wage and sick leave for gig economy workers if elected.

Luke Foley with food delivery worker Kirby Weller.

NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley with food delivery worker Kirby Weller. (AAP)

The NSW opposition plans to modernise the state's industrial relations laws to protect workers in the emerging gig economy.

NSW opposition Leader Luke Foley said he would empower the Industrial Relations Commission to make orders on minimum wage and sick leave for gig economy workers if elected in March.

"As it stands workers in the gig economy are effectively stranded without protection. That needs to change," Mr Foley said on Sunday.

The Transport Workers Union says three-in-four riders are paid below minimum rates while one-in-every-two riders say they or someone they know has been injured on the job.

"They are being denied these rights by companies choosing to exploit them," TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon said.

Mr Foley said he planned to change the the Industrial Relations Act to define a "gig worker".

He said the legislative changes would be a priority for a Labor government.

The announcement came as federal Labor called on the Turnbull government to urgently address workplace conditions for food delivery riders.


Share

1 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

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

Watch now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world