Fed: Cabinet approves Labor workplace changes=3

AAP General News (Australia)
12-17-2007
Fed: Cabinet approves Labor workplace changes=3

Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard said many people had lost basic rights,
such as penalty rates and overtime, under Work Choices.

"(they) are extreme laws," she told reporters.

"The laws of the Liberal Party allowed working people to have the safety net torn away
from them."

Ms Gillard said Labor's transition bill would ban any new AWAs.

"That will be fairer to Australian families," she said.

"But the transition bill will also kick off a new era of industrial relations with
a streamlined and modern awards system."

The transition bill will charge the Australian Industrial Relations Commission with
modernising Australia's awards over a period, ending on December 21, 2009.

"This is not only better for employees who rely on the safety net, it is better for
employers who want to have a simple modern safety net, something that they can check easily
and know what their obligations are."

Ms Gillard said a more substantive bill would be introduced into parliament next year
after a consultative period with industrial relations stakeholders and a business advisory
group.

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KEYWORD: WORKPLACE RUDD 3 CANBERRA

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