Greens reject push for ‘permanent casuals’ and welcome FWC ruling on flexible work.

 

Greens spokesperson for employment and industrial relations today opposed the NSW business lobby’s proposal to create a new category of ‘permanent casual’,  but welcomed a recent ruling by the Fair Work Commission on flexible work as a move towards Greens policy, but noted that it did not go far enough to protect the rights of working people seeking to have more control over their working arrangements.

 

Wage rises not tax cuts -- Greens back push for a lift to minimum wage.

The Greens will introduce legislation to set the national minimum wage (NMW) at 60% of the median full-time wage, to be phased in at the earliest possible time in a manner determined by the Fair Work Commission (FWC).

The UK Government has set a target for its minimum wage to reach 60% of median earnings by 2020, rising according to increments recommended by its Low Pay Commission.

Greens support ACTU workplace rules push, will introduce key legislation to tackle insecurity and work/life balance

Greens employment spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today gave in principle support to Sally McManus’ call to ‘change the rules’ to protect working people from insecure work, stagnant wages and the erosion of fundamental rights.

High Court ruling means right to strike at risk

Greens industrial relations spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that the judgement handed down by the High Court in the case between ESSO and the AWU has highlighted the flaws in the Fair Work Act which must be fixed.

“As wages flatline and penalty rates are cut, this decision will corrode people’s rights at work even further,” said Mr Bandt.

Greens call on ALP to back family and domestic violence bill

Greens spokesperson for employment Adam Bandt MP today welcomed Labor’s announcement to match Greens policy to legislate for 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave, but said instead of waiting till the next election, Bill Shorten should get behind the Greens’ bill and pass the bill the next time Parliament sits.

Greens to legislate for family and domestic violence leave

The Greens are stepping up pressure on the old parties to support family and domestic violence leave, introducing a bill to Parliament to legislate ten days’ leave.

Mr Bandt released the bill over the weekend as the Australia marked the annual White Ribbon Day of the campaign to prevent men's violence against women.

AWU raids are a dark day for democracy: Bandt

Greens industrial relations spokesperson Adam Bandt MP today said that the AWU raids mark a dark day for democracy and the rule of law. The Greens opposed the establishment of the Registered Organisations Commission and continue to call for a national broad based independent anti-corruption watchdog instead.

“These raids mark a dark day for democracy and the rule of law in this country,” said Mr Bandt.

Penalty Rates decision shows labour laws broken and parliament must now override cuts: Bandt 

Our labour laws are broken if they allow cuts to the wages of low paid workers and Parliament must now step in and back the Greens' move to override cuts to penalty rates, Greens workplace relations spokesperson Adam Bandt MP said today. 

Unions have lost their legal bid to overturn the Fair Work Commission's decision to cut penalty rates for hospitality, retail and fast-food workers.