THE EVIDENCE MOUNTS - NEW WORKLAWS ARE HURTING SOUTH AUSTRALIA

HOTLINE AND SURVEY SEEKS REAL WORKERS' REAL EXPERIENCES

12 June 2007

A preliminary submission to the State Industrial Relations Commission inquiry into the federal government's Work Choices laws reveals south Australia has gone backwards since the laws' introduction.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles says the statistics show the unemployment rate has worsened and wages have been eroded.

She says the challenge now is to ensure that real workers have their stories heard by the inquiry, as part of the fight to restore balance and fairness to the workplace.

"In 10 of the 12 months prior to the introduction of Work Choices, South Australia's unemployment rate was equal to or better than the Australian average."

"In the 15 months since the laws were brought in the unemployment rate was worse during 12 months, equal only twice and on just one occasion was it better than the Australian average". (source: ABS)

"It's clear that the laws are accelerating inequality in South Australia.  The cost of living is rising but compared to the rate of inflation total average earnings for full time adult workers dropped by 0.6% during the first 12 months of the new laws." (source: ABS)

"These statistics however don't convey the dreadful human impact of the new laws.  That's why SA Unions is conducting a telephone hotline from June 12 to 16 (1800 677 687) and an on-line survey.  We are urging workers and their families  to tell us their experiences under the new laws.

"The findings will become part of our evidence contained in our final submission to the inquiry.  It means the real effects on real people will be taken into account."

"We believe South Australian workers and their families deserve better.  That's why we're urging people to come forward and share their stories, because silence doesn't change anything," Ms Giles says.