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Winter 2005

Tasmanians come out to have their say

Thousands upon thousands of Tasmanians came out and demonstrated their concerns over John Howard’s proposed industrial relations changes last month.

In a huge demonstration in Hobart, City Hall was packed to the rafters with workers from all sectors of Tasmanian industry and other community members getting together in a show of concern not seen for decades. A rally was also held in Devonport, and community protest and information sessions have included such things as AFL days of action. Other demonstrations were held in all states of Australia. In Melbourne in excess of 120,000 people jammed city streets in a show of strength not seen for decades.

At the Hobart rally a range of speakers, (mostly ordinary workers off the job), addressed the assembly.

A HACSU member, Susan Loveless, gave a brave and moving speech to the huge audience about what the changes would mean to her family personally.

"I am 33 years old, a single mother of two children Kylie who is 12 and has mild cerebral palsy and Kerry who is 10," Susan explained.

"I work permanent part time in the aged care industry. I wonder how long it would take for me to find it harder to pay the bills if I didn't get a wage increase from the Industrial Relations Commission each year. Not long with the rising cost of living."

"And how much longer after that before I can't pay the bills, feed and clothe my children?"

"If the power of the Industrial Relations Commission are stripped this could be the reality for me."

"I currently work every second weekend and so receive penalty rates. Being a single mother I like that I don't have to work as many hours for my pay as this allows me more time with my children during the week."

"I have the time to take my children to after school activities, as well as taking my eldest child to her physio and occupational therapy appointments." "If penalty rates are no longer, I would have to increase work hours. Not only would I be affected but the health and well being of my children would also be affected."

"My children would have to spend more time in care, and that would be another cost I couldn't afford."

"Many aged care facilities have less than 100 workers, so on top of the losing penalties and pay, there would be the constant threat of losing my job."

"Without unfair dismissal laws many workers would go to work each day wondering what sort of mood the boss might be in, wondering whether they might go home without a job." In another rousing speech, the Secretary of Tasmanian's peak union body, Simon Cocker, detailed realities of a working life under the Howard Government's new laws.

Simon explained how the changes would have the biggest impact on the weak and vulnerable in the community, disadvantaging women and part time workers most. Simon also explained how the abolition of unfair dismissal laws would see somewhere between three and a half and four million Australian workers go from having proper process and decent job security to having no job security at all.

Simon said he believed the changes would see Australia headed towards an Americanised industrial relations system with lower wages, reduced conditions and fewer protections.