5000 IR submissions to be reviewed in just five days
The Government’s Industrial Relations Reform package went before a Senate Inquiry today as Unions gear up for big nationwide protests against the laws tomorrow. Today several state industrial relations ministers spoke before the Inquiry against the federal government’s plans to streamline the different IR systems under one national system. The inquiry is expected to last five days, however concerns have been raised over the small proportion of the 5000 submissions that will actually get to speak before the inquiry. Tomorrow, Unions are gearing up for nationwide protests, with ACTU president Greg Combet claiming it will be the biggest in Australia’s history. Today, the Australian Industry Group recommended to it’s members, who include some of the largest companies in Australia, that they take legal action against those who strike. AIG Chief Executive Heather Ridout today said that workers who don’t turn up for work tomorrow will be in breach of their contracts, and legal action can therefore be taken against them. While it’s no given that businesses will, it nonetheless may act as a deterrent to workers. John Roberston is the Secretary of Unions NSW and he spoke earlier to the Wire about what the unions have planned for tomorrow: