General

Australian Workplace Agreements

Don't say the W word: Government says

Despite widespread confusion over the Federal Government's latest IR changes that were introduced ten days ago without supporting legislation, call-takers at the official government IR hotline have been issued a directive to never say 'I don't know' when callers are unhappy with the lack of information about the new 'Fairness Test.

A previously confidential script for call-takers at the Government's new 'Workplace Infoline' released to the media today provides instructions for when callers are dissatisfied with the lack of available information, stating:

'At no timer is an Advisor to use the phrase "I don't know" when answering a caller's query. Rather, Advisors should say that "this is the information that is currently available; we can offer you a call back when further information becomes available."'

In another sign that the Federal Government's WorkChoices IR laws are so reviled by the Australian public, the call centre instructions also directs call-takers to avoid mentioning the legislation:

'Reference to the legislation should be avoided if possible... In ALL instances a client should be referred to the workplace website (www.workplace.gov.au), not to the WorkChoices website.'

Commenting on the revelations today, ACTU President Sharan Burrow said:

"The Government's new 'Fairness Test' is a farce and will not protect people's penalty rates, shift allowances, overtime pay, public holiday pay, annual leave loading and other award entitlements.

The Howard Government has no credibility on this issue.

The fact is that millions of workers won't be covered by this new 'Fairness test'. Workers in new businesses, people on existing AWA individual contracts and those in award-free areas are just some of the people that won't be protected.

Without the legislative detail, it is also unclear whether non-monetary things like free video hire and pizzas can be offered to workers in video stores or cafes in exchange for losing all of their penalty rates or overtime pay under these changes.

And it appears that workers in country areas or young people getting their first job are not guaranteed proper financial compensation for losing their penalty rates, overtime pay, public holiday pay, annual leave loading or other award conditions.

The call centre script contradicts the Government's assurance that when in doubt 'it would be appropriate to provide full monetary compensation for the removal of penalty rates', stating:

'The Fairness Test will consider both monetary and non-monetary compensation in exchange for changes to the protected award conditions.' and

In some circumstances, factors such as the industry, location, economic circumstances of the business and the employment circumstances or opportunities of the employee will also be considered.'

Workplace Relations Minister Joe Hockey is using the Sergeant Schultz defence - 'I know nothing' - when he should be telling the public the simple truth that workers' take home pay and conditions are not protected under the IR laws," said Ms Burrow.

© 2001 Community & Public Sector Union - State Public Services Federation (CPSU-SPSF) - National Office

http://www.cpsu-spsf.asn.au/latest_news/general/20070517_WORKCHOICES.html
Last Modified: 17 May 2007