Vic: Labor's IR plan 'a step in the right direction' - ACTU

AAP General News (Australia)
08-28-2007
Vic: Labor's IR plan 'a step in the right direction' - ACTU

MELBOURNE, Aug 28 AAP - The ACTU has welcomed most of the Labor party's transitional
industrial relations policy, saying it is a step toward restoring rights for working families.

ACTU president Sharan Burrow praised the plan announced today by Labor leader Kevin
Rudd to axe Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs), install better working conditions
and restore unfair dismissal protections.

But the ACTU said it did not support some elements of the plan, saying they were "too drawn out".

"We also recognise that this is an important step to getting rid of Work Choices and
that's what working Australians want to see," Ms Burrow said.

"We know that from January 1, 2008, there will be a different industrial relations
framework and it's one that will work towards putting rights at work back in place."

ACTU secretary Jeff Lawrence said the Liberal Party's smear campaign to denigrate the
role of unions would be fought for the protection of families.

"Unions stand up for working people every day and we have the courage to take on employers
that exploit workers," Mr Lawrence said.

AAP jat/sjm/pmu/jt/mn

KEYWORD: WORKPLACE ACTU

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