The Wire

Over the weekend thousands of workers rallied in May Day demonstrations protesting proposed federal changes to the industrial relations system. Across the country, workers marked International Workers Day by calling attention to plans they believe will seriously impinge on their welfare and rights. Unions argue some of the rights under attack include minimum rates of pay, overtime, and the possibility that more workers will be forced onto individually negotiated Australian Workplace Agreements. There are also concerns the federal move could restrict unions’ ability to enter workplaces on behalf of workers. Along with its intention to overhaul the award-wage system, the government means, come July, to use its Senate majority to impose a federal or unitary industrial relations system. Such a system would override existing state responsibilities in the area. Mark Lennon, Assistant Secretary of the Labour Council of NSW is part of a planned large scale campaign that will include advertising and community rallies to keep industrial relations state based. He spoke earlier to The Wire about the positives of the current system.