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Autumn 2005

“Workplace strength key to workers' prosperity” – Chris Brown

With John Howard about to enact new workplace laws designed to weaken the bargaining power of workers and reduce and frustrate the influence of workers, the best defence is strongly unionised workplaces and well-trained representatives, HACSU State Secretary, Chris Brown, says.

"Whilst the exact nature of the new laws are still in the melting pot, no one is under any apprehension that they will be about tipping the balance in favour of management and away from workers."

"Apart from the Conservatives dislike of workers' power, the Federal Government knows that Australia is in the grip of one of its worst skill shortages, and they are worried workers will use this to improve wages."

"This is an example when the Government does not like the free market, and the laws of supply and demand."

"The new laws will be used to undermine the negotiating power of the workforce."

"In these circumstances senior managements of large organisations will often seize the opportunity to drive hard bargains, and a culture of fear and intimidation will result."

"Managements of smaller businesses will also be handed a perfect tool to undermine and intimidate a workforce with the exemption for unfair dismissal laws as they currently apply."

"But the point, for workers, is that whatever new laws are brought in, companies, government and managements still need workers to run the businesses and provide services."

"If workplaces are well unionised and well organised, if workers stick together and support each other, they will still get ahead."

"If we have representatives who know their stuff, who consult closely with colleagues and are therefore backed up by members, we will have good workplaces and be able to improve wages and conditions."