Government's OHS Changes will be bad for our health

CPSU needs your help to produce a Senate submission about dangerous changes the Government is planning to make to Commonwealth health, safety and compensations laws.

The changes suggested in the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation and Other Legislation Amendment Bill will remove the right of Commonwealth employees to claim compensation for injuries sustained: during lunch and other breaks, travelling to or from work, participating in sporting activities at lunch time.

CPSU National Secretary Stephen Jones believes the changes are a cost cutting exercise which place employees at risk. "Currently, workers have the peace of mind that if an unfortunate accident occurs after they leave for work, they will be covered by workers compensation.

"If these new laws are passed, employees will think twice about going out for walks or kicking a footy around with their mates at lunch time. They'll have to stay holed up in their office if they don't want to be liable for any accidents."

CPSU are also lobbying the ALP, the Democrats and the Greens for a commitment that the parties will repeal the unfair laws if they gain power in Parliament.

CPSU wants your views: Your union wants to include the experiences and views of our members in the Senate submission. Tell us what you think about the changes that are being forced through. Have you ever received workers compensation for a journey claim in the past? How do you think the changes will affect you? Will the way your local MP votes in this Bill change affect your vote in the next Federal election?

Email us your comments or post them on our blog.

For more information about the Bill click here

SEND A MESSAGE TO KEVIN AND JULIA:

Shortly I will be seeking meetings with the newly elected ALP leaders Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard and other Shadow Minsisters.

I want to ensure the leaders of the alternative Government understand the issues that are important to CPSU members - such as fairer workplace laws and a strong, independent public sector.

But are there other priority issues the CPSU should take up with the ALP?

The Enviroment? Welfare? Health? Education? Skills? Medibank?

Please feel free to post your thoughts below and let us know what you're looking for from the new look Federal Opposition.

In Unity
Stephen Jones
CPSU National Secretary.

Hundreds and thousands rally on the National Day of Action

The Nov 30 rallies and marches across Australia in support of fairer workplace laws were an overwhelming success. It's estimated that more than 300,000 workers and their families - including many thousands of CPSU members - exercised their right to protest against the Federal Government's unfair workplace laws. Tell us your stories from the day or post your message of support below.

To read more click here. Check out photos here. Check out videos here. Send your photos / video links to pix@cpsu.org.au

CPSU wins “Nov 30” leave case

Action by the CPSU has overturned a Federal Court decision preventing public servants using their leave entitlements to attend the ACTU national protests on November 30.

A full bench has today upheld the right of an Office of Employment Advocate (OEA) employee to seek leave to participate in the November 30 rally.

CPSU National Secretary, Stephen Jones said the decision is crucial for two reasons. "Firstly, it confirms that employers do not have the right to tell employees what they can or can't do in their own free time.

"Secondly, it sends a clear message that public service managers must not allow their own political views to dictate how they treat employees.

"The Court has also raised concerns that the OEA's actions may have been a breach of the Public Service Act," he said.

To read more click here.

Read more from:
The Australian
Herald Sun
ABC Online

Only one option for fair IR laws

While the recent High Court decision was not unexpected, it clarifies that the only remaining way to change the Federal Government's unfair workplace laws is at the ballot box.

On November 14 the High Court ruled by a 5-2 majority that the Federal Government's WorkChoices legislation is constitutional.

It is important to note, however, that the ruling does not mean the High Court considers WorkChoices fair or unfair, merely that it is not unconstitutional.

Being part of the Federal IR system already the ruling will make no direct difference to most CPSU members, but it does confirm that millions more Australian workers have lost rights and that 100 years of protection for working families is gone.

These protections saw workers share in the economic good times through safeguards such as the award system and regular wage increases.

Under WorkChoices these protections are gone.

While the High Court decision was not unexpected, it clarifies that the only remaining way to change these laws is at the ballot box.

This ruling not only allows the Government free reign with the worst excesses of WorkChoices - it also potentially allows for Federal takeover of health, education and pretty much anything else currently legislated for by the States.

The Prime Minister subsequently said he will not use the ruling "for some massive expansion of Commonwealth power". We'll have to wait and see whether this is a "core" or "non-core promise".

So far those worst affected by WorkChoices have been those least able to protect themselves - young workers, the low-skilled and those without union support. But employers now have carte blanche to cut the pay, conditions and rights at work of all Australians.

Following the High Court decision the only way left to create a fairer, inclusive system of industrial relations - and to protect our health and education systems for all - is through the ballot box at the next federal election.

The CPSU, other unions, and the ACTU will now intensify the campaign for a fair set of industrial relations laws and seek community support for a change of Government in the 2007 election.

The next opportunity for people to show the Federal Government what they think of these unfair IR laws comes on Thursday, 30 November with the National Union and Community Day of Action. Hundreds of events will be held throughout the country - all linked through a Sky Channel broadcast from the MCG.

Find out more: www.cpsu.org.au/campaigns/IRCampaign

November 30 - A Historic Opportunity

Dear CPSU members and supporters,

I encourage everyone to be a part of the National Union and Community Day of Action for fairer workplace laws on Thursday morning, 30 November. It will be a historic day as Australians come together to tell our politicians to respect our rights at work. Hundreds of events will be held throughout the country - all linked through a Sky Channel broadcast from the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

As a worker, citizen, trade unionist and parent, I'm deeply opposed to what the Government is doing to our workplaces and communities through these laws. If you share my concerns - and want to see fairer, more balanced workplace laws - I urge you to come along and be a part of the 30 November activities. Your participation will make a difference.

Yours sincerely,

Stephen Jones
CPSU National Secretary