Queensland act 'legitimises' low wages

Queensland act 'legitimises' low wages

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE — Unions claimed on January 30 that the passage of the Borbidge government's industrial relations legislation that day had "legitimised" Queensland's position as the nation's low-wage state.

After negotiations with the ACTUQ, Gladstone independent MP Liz Cunningham, who holds the balance of power in the state parliament, supported only five of 125 ALP opposition amendments to the bill.

Opposition leader Peter Beattie slammed the new laws, saying: "I repeat my promise that we will repeal the offensive parts of the bill when we are returned to government".

ACTUQ secretary John Thompson said he would recommend the ACTU encourage Queensland workers to move from state to federal awards. "I thought the Democrats were soft in their stance on the federal IR laws, but Mrs Cunningham — the 'Democrats' of state politics — has in contrast failed abysmally. This legislation is one of hatred, driven by the minister because of his ideological dislike for unions."

Of particular concern to the ACTU, according to Thompson, is the definition of the "no-disadvantage rule", which allows an employer to claim a "temporary crisis" in order to reduce pay and conditions in an agreement.

Thompson said rights of union representation had been greatly eroded, and there was grave concern about changes to conditions and the maintenance of such matters as public holidays, leave loading and overtime payments.

Other concerns include the weakening of the unfair dismissal provisions, and a clause prohibiting payment of employees who impose work bans or any other form of industrial action.

From GLW issue 261