Are you happy with your job?

Something to think about at the next election …

If you are, that's great. In general, Australians are happy with their jobs, but problems do happen and usually things could be better.

For most workers the big issues are increasing job pressures and trying to balance their work and family life. At some stage in most workers' lives they will need a bit of flexibility to look after a sick child or relative, to get to child care, or just a break from excessive demands for overtime in order to spend some time with their families.

For most workers these issues come out as their number one concern, even ahead of pay.

Of course, there are other big issues. Casuals, labour hire and temp workers often crave more job security. Many casuals can be dismissed on an hour's notice, their pay is low and they can't get a loan for a house or a car. If you're not you in this boat now you may be one day: since 1988 more than half of all new jobs created have been casual.

And then there are those trapped in low paying jobs: workers with families who have to battle on wages of less than $500 per week. For them a holiday, a meal at a restaurant or a decent car are just dreams.

Unions are committed to helping out people like these. That's why unions campaign for better work and family rights, improved job security for casuals, and for an end to wage rates that condemn families to poverty.

Work and family

Before the last election the current Federal Government promised that work and family would be priority, but then did nothing till the next election was in sight. Responding to the union campaign for paid maternity leave we now find a $3000 Maternity Payment in the Budget, as well as two $600 family tax payments, one before June 30 then another when tax returns are filed.

While these payments help, they miss the mark. What most families want are better rights at work. Mums want part-time work options on return from maternity leave; parents want flexible hours and affordable child care. These problems aren't fixed by just throwing a bit of money at them.

Last year, the Federal Government refused to support the ACTU's push for family friendly workplaces. Instead, it encouraged workers to sign up for "AWA" (Australian Workplace Agreement) individual agreements. Yet, according to the government's own survey on AWAs, fewer than 1 in 5 of those interviewed said it was easier for them to balance work and life.

Casuals and job security

Unions have fought for better rights for casuals and labour hire workers--and we've had some wins--such as increasing the casual loading from 20 per cent to 25 per cent and rights for long term casuals to convert to permanent employment. The Federal government has consistently opposed these moves, and now wants to change the law so that the right for casuals to convert to permanent employment will be abolished.

Low pay

Every year unions mount a case in the Industrial Commission to improve minimum wages. We've had quite a degree of success too, since 1999 minimum wages have increased by $94 per week. However, these are not easy wins, unions must argue out the case with bosses who often have the support of the Federal government.

After a recent string of unions wins, the Federal government announced it intends to change the law to keep wages low.

Does anyone in government know what it's like raise a family on $500 per week?

Unions want to know that Australia's next government will

· support better rights for a work and family balance
· provide greater job security for casuals and
· not put a brake on increases in minimum wages.

June 2004 contents