The triumphant re-election of the Labor Government in May was a huge win for workers across the board.
Key areas of industrial relations reforms enacted during the Government’s first term are now protected. Reforms such as the right to disconnect, working from home, multi-employer bargaining, same job same pay, delegates rights and continued increases to the minimum wage were all under threat if Peter Dutton was to become Prime Minister.
The Government has also promised to go further in the IR reform space. During the term legislation will be enacted to prohibit non-compete clauses in employment contracts. These clauses prevent employees from moving to new employers who offer better wages and conditions. Preventing competition has been a key tactic to supress wages for workers. Employers will no longer be permitted to prevent their employees from being ‘poached’ by other prospective employers who are offering better working conditions. The Fair Work Commission will also be prevented from allowing penalty rates to be sacrificed in exchange for an increase to base wages.
The commitment to protecting workers is a key pillar of the Government’s mission. A second term will ensure that workers can keep the reforms of the first term and will allow the government to build on its existing record. By reforming laws around pay and conditions, the Government aims to create a more equitable workforce, where workers are not only fairly compensated but also enjoy greater job security and work-life balance. These reforms represent a significant step forward in Australia’s industrial relations landscape.
