Anger as workers' insurance reduced

COMMONWEALTH public servants are no longer entitled to claim damages for accidents on the way to work or during lunch breaks after an overhaul aimed at slashing the cost of their compensation scheme. (By Annabelle Crabb SMH 04 July 2007)

Crossing the line

The removal of journey claims from workers compensation rules is fuelling confusion in public service ranks with employees and managers unsure exactly where coverage begins and ends.

A recent case in Victoria exposed one of the 'grey areas' created by the Governments recent cuts to the compensation scheme for Australian public servants.

Read more here and post your thoughts below.

Working round the clock

As the Howard Government seeks to soothe unease about its workplace laws, a Bureau of Statistics survey reveals the deep incursion work has already made into family and community life.

The figures show 37 per cent of employees work overtime or extra hours - and about half of them do so for no extra pay. Three in five said they had no say about when they started or finished.

Download the ABS report here and please post a comment.

Tripped up by new compo rules

Twelve hours after new workers comp rules came into effect, an accident on the way to work sent one public service manager sprawling.

With the new laws, introduced by the Howard Government, public servants are no longer covered for accidents and injuries sustained traveling to and from work and during lunch breaks spent away from the workplace.

To read Annette's* story click here.

To read previous blog posts and comments on the new compo laws, click here, here, and here.

What do you think about the changes to compo laws? Post your comments below.

ADDING INSULT TO INJURY

Compo rights slashed for PS workers:

Did you know the Howard Government has just endorsed new laws which radically reduce workers’ compensation rights in the public sector?

The wide-ranging changes will affect public servants who drive, use public transport, ride bicycles or walk to or from work.

They will also make work-related injury claims more costly, contentious and complicated. We need your help to raise awareness about the issue your workplace.

Follow the links to find out more, complete our survey and send a protest letter.