
Issue No 11		30 April 1999

News

Freeloader Legislation on the Agenda

The Carr Government will consider special freeloader legislation to allow unions to recover service fees from non-members who receive pay rises as a result of their efforts.

NSW Industrial Relations Minister Jeff Shaw says he'll look positively at the Labor Council's proposal to allow agency fees to be levied on non-unionists who pick up pay rises negotiated by trade unions.

The plan, based on US labor law, would see a weekly levy, set at a percentage of membership fees, charged to non-unionists who accept the pay rise.

Labor Council secretary Michael Costa says advocates of "user-pays" principles should have no problems with the idea.

"We're not forcing people to join unions; but if they benefit from a union's efforts, they should pay for that service," he says

"Trade unions spend immense time and resources pursuing pay claims which flow through to all workers, regardless of their union membership.

"This means the union members are effectively subsidising the non-members' pay rises. On any criteria, this is unfair."

The proposal is part of a package of reforms which have been referred to the Industrial relations Consultative Committee for consultation. Pending Cabinet approval, they would be introduced in the next session of Parliament.

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Issue 11 contents

Interview: The Young Republican
Jason Yat-Sen Li stole the show at the Constitutional Convention with his community consultation compromise. Now he faces a bigger challenge, convincing Australia to vote Yes.

Unions: ACTU Moves on the Republic
The ACTU Executive has endrosed the Australian Republic -- but it's given Howard's Preamble the short shrift it deserves.

History: And A Hundred Years Ago
Just as it was a hundred years ago, it is important that trade unions and their members are actively involved in the current republic debate.

Reader's Forum: John Passant
A Workers Online reader explains why he'll be voting "no".

Review: Mountain Men and Women Framed
Working Lives, a history of working people from the Blue Mountains, looks back to illuminate future challenges.

Labour Review: What's New at the Information Centre
View the latest issue of Labour Review, Labor Council's fortnightly newsletter for unions.

International: Performers on the World Stage
Australian performers know better than most the importance of identity, self and place. That's why they are committed Republicans.

» Unions Challenge: Reclaim the Republic

» Freeloader Legislation on the Agenda

» Unions� New Years Eve Plea

» Skill Shortage Leads to Tiling Crisis

» Apprentice Chefs Get Fairer Share of the Pie

» Rail Workers Strike for Passenger Safety

» Living Wage Sparks New Activity

» ACTU Endorses East Timor Action

» WorkCover Troubles Can�t Hit Injured Workers

» NSW Young Labor Turns 50!