Industrial Relations Policy Summary

Workplace justice

The Greens believe that a strong and vibrant union movement is a central component of a healthy democracy. Without the protection of a trade union, the remuneration and working conditions of all workers, and particularly the less powerful, are diminished by the economic and industrial power of employers.

The Greens are totally opposed to the Howard government’s industrial legislation, especially ‘WorkChoices’, which undermines the quality of human relations and human life. We are committed to the complete repeal of ‘WorkChoices’ and other unfair and anti-worker legislation. We are also committed to using the state industrial relations system wherever possible to provide a shelter for unions and working people from the damaging aspects of the federal system. The Greens oppose Australian Workplace Agreements and other attempts to divide working people.

The Greens also support improved rights for injured workers, and will continue to campaign for just levels of compensation to allow people injured at work to live with dignity. Our vision for the future is based on a more equitable sharing of incomes. We will work towards an industrial environment characterised by increased employment security and a shorter
working week. We aim to reduce working hours for the overworked while increasing total pay and hours for the under-employed and the unemployed.

The Greens are committed to:

• legislation to protect as many workers as possible from ‘WorkChoices’, including public servants, employees of state corporations and local councils and government contractors;
• protect the rights of injured workers to receive full compensation for workplace injuries;
  
• recognising the role of unions in maintaining fair working conditions and remuneration;
  
• the right of unions and unionists to take industrial action without legal impediment, to protect and promote their legitimate workplace interests;
  
• collective bargaining and a strong award system protecting the remuneration and working conditions of all workers;
  
• independent state and federal Industrial Relations Commissions;
  
• greater security of employment for all workers;
  
• a shorter working week, including reduced working hours for the over-worked, without reductions in overall pay and increased hours for the under-employed or unemployed; and
  
• legislative protection of casual workers and piece-workers from exploitation.