10 November 2005
Australian Industrial Relations changes a step backward - NZ protests planned
The Council of Trade Unions is committing to working with Australian unions to continue opposition to the worst changes
to their workplace relations system in decades, Council of Trade Unions President Ross Wilson said today.
Suspending standing orders, the Howard government rushed their Work Choices bill through the Australian lower House of
Representatives this morning. It now proceeds to the Senate.
"New Zealand workers and unions stand alongside Australian workers in opposition to these regressive law changes" said
Ross Wilson, CTU President.
"The changes are an unprecedented attack on the basic conditions of working Australians. The most obscene aspect of the
"reforms" is the complete removal of unfair dismissal laws for all workers in a worksite with 100 employees or less."
There is a National Day of Community Protest in Australia on Tuesday November 15, and New Zealand unions have organised
activities in Auckland and Wellington on the same day (media advisory forthcoming).
ENDS