Fed: Contractors' bill makes it easier to replace workers - ACTU

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2006
Fed: Contractors' bill makes it easier to replace workers - ACTU

Unions claim proposed new laws for independent contractors will make it easier for
big business to cut pay and conditions of sub-contractors.

The laws ultimately ensure people currently deemed to be employees become contractors.

It will also override some state laws.

But ACTU president SHARAN BURROW says the laws will make it easier to replace permanent
staff with contractors on lower wages and conditions.

She says it'll fail to prevent employers from pushing more workers into sham contracts
.. where employees miss out on basic entitlements.

AAP RTV dep/sb/es/wf

KEYWORD: CONTRACTORS ACTU (CANBERRA)

) 2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.