OPEN LETTER TO SENATORS – VOTE AGAINST THE IR CHANGES

I request you to vote against the Industrial Relations changes that have been outlined by John Howard.

Why?

Firstly, I am fearful of changing the balance of power so far in favour of the employer. There has been a balance carefully crafted in Australia over the last century between the employer and employee. Despite granting more power to the employer over recent years, this remains the basis of our concept of a fair go. And this is threatened by this very significant move of power from the employee to the employer. Given the low unemployment rate, the punitive controls over social welfare payments, productivity increases over recent years, and the debased power of unions, I feel that arguments for this being necessary are specious. Thus, I consider this must be an ideological obsession of John Howard, and a throwback to a time when unions were far more powerful than today.

Secondly, because of the details of the changes. The key changes are: the removal of the no disadvantage test for AWAs; the removal of unfair dismissals rights; the creation of a group of unelected, chosen officials to form the Fair Pay Commission to replace a truly independent judicial body; the reduction of matters required for employment conditions to very few matters; and low standards within those matters that remain. The results of this combination are clear. If a worker does not accept an AWA, which may be at great disadvantage, s/he can be dismissed. The hopes of the Government in creating the Fair Pay Commission are also clear. Given that the Govt has sided with business at most, if not all, IRC hearings, it is clear what the expectations of the Govt are for the Fair Pay Commission. Like the Employment Advocate before them, this title is truly Orwellian and the intention is deceitful.

Thirdly, I challenge the whole concept of fair negotiations of contracts between people in uneven circumstances. It seems a reasonable idea that individuals can make their own agreements, but it doesn’t work that way where the power of the participants is uneven. I have no doubt that you, as a politician, are aware of this. It is a specious argument that a fast food server or a check out attendant can negotiate on an equal basis with a rich franchisee or a multinational employer. Even more so, when we are removing social welfare and other supports, thus enhancing the desperation of the employee, and the unevenness of the negotiations.

It is quite possible that this will lead to improved economic indicators. But what do these indicators measure? Economics are important, but “for what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and lose his own soul?” We need a more true set of indicators for society, eg, the Genuine Progress Indicator promoted by the Australia Institute of similar. Politics has a mania with simple (and often trivial) economic measurements. We need broader measures.

I plea for you to vote against Howard’s IR changes. There is no-one else left. The Senate is in the hands of conservative parties. You cannot blame anyone else if you choose to move this balance of power so far to the employer. This is a time to take a stand. I believe most politicians enter politics because they are concerned for society. They may have a hard time maintaining their commitment to society, and mostly they can blame another party for what happens. This is not the case now. This is a major change. It will result in a much more unequal society - with some winners and many losers. Your vote will be making a little US over here, with its significant underclass and poverty. This is probably the biggest challenge to the Aussie Fair Go.

I implore you to think to your conscience. You will be responsible for the outcomes. You no longer have any excuses.

Signature

PS. BTW, I think this marks the start of the end for this Conservative rule. Howard will give Labor something to agree on; something which is eminently sellable to the population; something which will allow Beasley to divorce himself from being just a follower of the Howard line; something which undermines the support of the “Howard Battlers”; something which gives the Unions the moral high ground.

I do not give you permission to record anything in your databases as a result of this letter. (There’s another issue for another time – why aren’t political parties subject to privacy laws?)