Published: 2 Mar 2017
Workers around Australia will be protesting on March 9 against Turnbull’s assault on working people.
The ACT branch of the CFMEU is expecting large numbers to turn out as construction workers will be hard hit by new laws that cut their pay and conditions and make safety worse.
ACT Assistant Secretary Jason O’Mara says the new ABCC laws prohibit the union from negotiating on basic work conditions such as working hours, overtime and giving preference to local workers over temporary visa holders.
“There will be more people in casual employment and less job security.
“People will be fearful of speaking out for fear of losing their jobs,” he said.
The new laws ban unions from being able to protect people from bad employers who rip off workers.
“We will be banned from putting in protections for workers over a range of issues in agreements.
“We will be banned from negotiating for apprenticeships and skills training,” he said.
Mr O’Mara said that it was not just construction workers who were in the government’s sights.
“The decision to cut penalty rates that affects the lowest paid workers in Australia shows that this Government is about cutting wages of all workers at a time when business profits are at a 15 year high.”
The CFMEU kicks off its national campaign to protest against the Turnbull Government March 9. Rallies will be held in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra and Adelaide. Perth will rally on March 21.
“Enough is Enough. We must stop Turnbull’s assault on working people, pensioners, the disabled and the poor. It’s time to stand up and fight back.”
9 March
12.30 PM
148 Bunda Street Civic