MEDIA RELEASE

19 August 2003

Work-Life Balance Polices Long Overdue

The Government’s announcement today that it will establish a work programme to develop family friendly policies that promote a healthy work-life balance is in line with the CTU’s Get A Life! Campaign.

“Establishing a healthy balance between work and home life is a priority issue for the CTU and we look forward to working with the Government on the development of this programme, says CTU Secretary, Carol Beaumont.

Last year the CTU released Thirty Families, a report that documented the stories
of workers and their families and how work impacted on their lives.

Their common complaint was that their work dominated their life to an unhealthy degree. Many worked an average of 45 to 55 hours a week, some longer. Almost all of those who regularly worked more than 45 hours per week regarded these hours as long and unreasonable as they had a negative impact on their health and their ability to interact with their families and friends.

The research project is part of the CTU's Get A Life! campaign, which aims to promote a healthy work-life balance through changes to legislation and through the negotiation of collective agreements.

“There is compelling evidence for better laws and better collective agreements which will enable workers to not only do their jobs, but also fulfill their roles as parents, caregivers, partners and members of the community,” says CTU Secretary, Carol Beaumont.

“Co-ordinating the work that is being done in this area to develop an integrated work programme is a positive move. A programme that recognises and values workers' family and community responsibilities is long overdue”." Says Carol Beaumont.

ENDS

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