Media Release
26
May 2005
Howard's IR changes will destroy nurses rights
The
ANF said today that the proposed IR changes by the Howard Government
would destroy nurses' rights to fair working conditions.
The reduction of conditions in awards, removing the power of
the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to ratify agreements,
the exemption of small businesses with up to 100 employees from
the unfair dismissal system, the reduction of union rights in
workplaces and the discouragement of pattern bargaining would
be a disaster for nursing, the heath system and the Australian
public.
The restriction of pattern bargaining would mean nurses would
not be able to bargain collectively, but would have to negotiate
wages and conditions on a hospital-by-hospital or even an individual
basis.
'The nature of collective agreements brings fair wage outcomes
for employees and their employers. Both the ANF and employers
prefer pattern bargaining. If its use is restricted because of
these proposed changes it will have a negative effect on wages
and conditions for nurses in Australia, and consequently for
the quality of nursing care they are able to provide to patients,'
ANF Federal Secretary Jill Iliffe said.
'Pattern bargaining means a single standard of nursing care for
all Australians, no matter which hospital you are in, and regardless
of your income.
'Many nurses work in aged cage facilities and general practice
with less than 100 employees, they would be able to be sacked
without any redundancy provisions. How are they supposed to pay
their mortgages or even feed their children while they look for
another job?
'What would a nurse do if they had a serious workplace issue
and they have to wait for the union representative to give 24
hours notice to enter the workplace?
'These proposed changes are part of the Howard Government's strategy
to destroy unions. As Prime Minister, Mr Howard has responsibility
for all workers in Australia, even those in a union and he needs
to keep this firmly in mind.'
Pattern
bargaining is where agreements are made with a number of employers
rather than with each individual employer. Nurses negotiate with
State Governments, for example, on behalf of all nurses working
in public hospitals.
The
ANF, representing 145,000 members, is the professional and industrial
voice for nurses in Australia.
Media
inquiries:
Nick Blake, ANF Federal Industrial Officer 0419 523 740
Ged Cowin, ANF Assistant Federal Secretary 0417 053 322
Heather Witham, ANF Federal Communications Officer 0417 359 907