If you want proof that the Your Rights at Work campaign is working, look no further than Howard Government hysteria this week around a leaked ACTU's phone polling document, writes CPSU National Secretary, Stephen Jones.Over the last two years union members and supporters have been campaigning hard against WorkChoices.
We've conducted surveys and polls, put out emails, press releases and bulletins, held workplace and community meetings, worn tempory tattoos, baked orange cakes, organised massive rallies and even funded prime-time TV ads.
Despite this highly visible approach, the Howard Government claims the Your Rights at Work campaign is a secret, sinister and undemocratic plot by "union bosses" to "steal control of the country" and "ruin the economy."
Incredibly, the Government is arguing that union representatives shouldn't even be talking with their members about the most profound change to their workplace rights in 100 years.
So as the pre-election rhetoric heats up, it's important to remember what this campaign about... unfair workplace laws.
WorkChoices is an attack on the working conditions of millions of working Australian families. Despite the Government's theatrics, the fact remains that under WorkChoices:
- overtime and penalty rates are being cut;
- workers are being dismissed unfairly;
- collective bargaining is being undermined;
- the independent umpire is being sidelined;
- new starters are being forced onto AWAs.
This is why we'll be talking with CPSU members who live in key marginal seats. What happens in those seats will determine the outcome of the election.
The overwhelming majority of members we've contacted so far have been more than happy to have their say.
If people don't want to talk about WorkChoices - for whatever reason - we fully respect their decision not to participate.
Fair workplace rights will be a key election issue. Which means the CPSU has an obligation to find out what our members think, and argue for it passionately.
It's called democracy. It's a union thing.
6 comments:
Hi I think you should advertise the fact that the govt is spending millions of ads promoting workers choice. However not many people know abour the new changes to workers comp that directly affect them. I think it would make a good ad.
Keep up the good work CPSU! It's a good thing you're consulting the folks in marginal seats. These folks have an opportunity to dramatically shape the outcome of the election and need their union's support!
"It's called democracy. It's a union thing."
This phrase at the end of this article is what has been missing from the CPSU campaigning.
Using this phrase to even just end advertisements will lend the impact that's lacking.
Whether it was accidental or deliberate, Stephen Jones is to be congratulated.
Picture it on television. Black screen, white writing, it's perfect.
It's called democracy. It's a union thing.
I agree with Mathew W's comment on Stephone Jones statement - "it's called democracy. It's a union thing". It is powerful, succinct, emotive, challenging, thought provoking, and most of all, TRUE!
I agree. It's simple, yet powerful. Get it out there!
It's called Democracy. It's a union thing
Yeah- democracy seems to be a bit of a threat to Howard & his mates.
It's all in the language. Don't ever say "it's only words!" It's words that persuade people. Noticed how Joe Hockey can't say "union delegates" or "union leaders"? It's always "union bosses." A couple of weeks ago Howard had meetings with "farming leaders" and "leaders of industry." But your democratically elected union reps are "bosses." I figure WE'RE the bosses. Union reps are our servants.
And I haven't seen one journalist pick them up on it. Correct these untruths at every opportunity
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