The Wire

The Federal Government’s IR laws have sparked constant controversy since they came into legislation, and this case is no exception. 35 workers in Sydney are currently in a strong fight with their employer, Tristar, to get a redundancy package after five months of no work. Both the Government and the Unions have criticised the company, saying they are avoiding payouts to save money, but because of the IR reforms, the Work Choices commission is unable to force any changes. Tristar now claims there is work available, but Paul Bastion, New South Wales secretary for the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union is sceptical about the changes