The Greens Industrial Relations Policy announced today totally rejects the modern industrial relations environment broadly supported by Labor, the Coalition and the Democrats.
Senator Andrew Murray, Democrats Workplace Relations Spokesperson said: "The Greens proposal is likely to lead to greater industrial disputation and not greater harmony as suggested by Michael Organ."
"The Green Party's industrial relations approach is not a result of naivety or inexperience. It is a deliberate radical class-based and conflict-creating policy.
"Australia's modern IR system, courageously introduced by Labor in 1993 and further developed by the Coalition and the Democrats in 1996 has contributed significantly to strong economic growth, the lowest unemployment rate in 18 years, meaningful real wage increases, and reduced strikes - and days lost to strikes - by more than 65%.
"The system is working well overall, but it needs some attention, such as in insecure employment and family-friendly policies. The Greens proposals will destroy the system and return us to the days of high unemployment, low productivity and conflict.
"Only 1 in 5 employees are members of unions yet the Greens propose to abolish non-union agreement making and make union bargaining compulsory. The Greens have a long attachment to the philosophy of anarchism, and anarchy would surely result.
"They would also abolish secondary boycott provisions which protect innocent third parties, from industrial action. The Greens are willing to allow innocent peoples' livelihoods to be destroyed because a union has a beef with another organisation.
"A vote for the Greens is a vote for reduced flexibility, balance and choice in the workplace. This may come as a surprise to many recent Greens converts who are voting Green because of their environmental stance or because of their opposition to the war on Iraq, both very strong Democrat platforms.
"In contrast to the Democrats, who act to moderate the Coalition on IR, the Greens seek to radicalise Labor.
"The Democrats are the only party that can ensure that industrial laws are fair to all sides because we are independent of both unions and business, and unencumbered by any ideological extremes.
"The Greens are the biggest ideologues in the country when it comes to industrial relations. They are reckless and irresponsible and their industrial relations policies would hurt Australia.
"We are the only party able to temper the battleground of industrial relations, ensure employee rights and conditions are protected and maintain a stable economy. We stand on our record in this area," concluded Senator Murray.
|
