Issue No 120 | 23 November 2001 | |
NewsWorkers Will Lose from Unfair Contract Changes
The Carr Government faces a new row with unions over its plans to restrict access to the unfair contracts jurisdiction of the state Industrial Relations Commission. While the government claims the restrictions to section 106 actions are to remove 'high fliers' from the jurisdiction, unions believe many workers will be caught out too. The changes follow the use of the IRC by high-profile sports stars and media personalities, including Jana Wendt, to argue unfair contracts of employment in tre IRC rather than the more costly court system. It comes after intense lobbying by big business who are concerned their executives will use the system. Limits include a $250,000 cap on claims, a three month time limit and restrictions to disputes on the wording of contracts rather than the conducts of the parties in the contract's execution. But Transport Workers Union legal officer Andrew Metcalfe says the changes will hurt his members, such as truck drivers, for whom the jurisdiction was originally created. Metcalfe says the monetary limit appears high, but disputes over goodwill in the trucking industry often exceed this sum. And he says the time restriction place workers negotiating a settlement at a severe disadvantage. "The Premier should talk to workers and their representatives before making changes that will leave them worse off," Metcalfe says. Pressures Forcing Sleepiness on Truckies Meanwhile, the TWU is calling for urgent reforms to help save lives on our roads. In light of research showing up to 55% of NSW truck drivers may suffer from Sleep Apnea and that 31% of drivers could be at risk of excessive day time sleepiness "The revelations on Channel Nine's Nightline program last Friday night of research results from the Institute of Respiratory Medicine at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital that up to 55% of NSW truck drivers may suffer from sleep apnea and that up to 31% of drivers could be at risk of excessive daytime sleepiness should strike terror into the heart of every NSW road user," Transport Workers Union State Secretary Tony Sheldon said today. "Following a study of almost 1000 drivers, if these preliminary results are reflected across the road transport industry they could mean one in three drivers on the road are at risk of falling asleep during the day." "Fatigue is already identified as the primary cause in up to 25% of fatal road accidents. "Unless something is done to address the pressures and demands being placed on drivers that are forcing them over the edge standards in the industry they are only going to get worse," Mr Sheldon said. "In the twelve months to April this year 202 people have already been killed in accidents involving articulated trucks. To prevent even more people being killed in the busy lead up to the Christmas holidays, the TWU is calling on the both State and Federal Governments to develop a compulsory code of practice for the industry, including enforceable sustainable freight rates and provisions for clients in the industry to be held accountable." As an additional part of the solution the TWU is calling for the release of the NSW Motor Accidents Authority Inquiry Safety Inquiry into the Long Haul Trucking Industry. Conducted by Professor Michael Quinlan from the University of NSW, the TWU believes the recommendations of this report offer an important opportunity to radically improve safety standards in the trucking industry. "For over 9 months now Government officers have been considering recommendations from the Qunilan Inquiry. If implemented, these recommendations could help save the lives of drivers and innocent road users," Mr Sheldon said.
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Interview: Civilising Capital Peter Butler is a global investor with a difference. He believes that environment, shareholder democracy and workers rights make good business sense. Industrial: All In The Family In his opening submission to the landmark case, ACTU assistant secretary Richard Marles argues working hours are vital to life. Unions: Saving Cinderella It is a modern day fairy tale - a Cinderella from the suburbs, worked like a slave from morning to night injured and then abandoned. International: Recognising China Gough Whitlam draws the links, past and present, between recognition of China and the continuing struggle to achieve a genuinely inclusive Australian democracy. History: The Speakers Square A new book lifts the lid on Melbourne's radical past - including the soapboxes that dotted the city in the 1890s. Economics: Back to the Pack The big story in this year�s State of the States League Table is the end of the long reign of New South Wales at the top of the heap. Satire: Man Reneges On Promise To Leave The Country If Howard Re-Elected A Sydney man has decided he won�t leave Australia despite the re-election of the Howard Government. Review: When Hippes Meet Unionists A new book investigates how links between politics and culture reached a high point in the 1970s
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