WorkChoices: hardly a new agenda

Abstract

[Abstract]: The influence of WorkChoices legislation has been felt across a broad spectrum of people in society. Women, young people and families are some of the sections of society which have suffered significantly because of this legislation. All this despite the Howard Government assurance that they would not create a system of industrial relations that would cut the wages of Australian workers. What has emerged in the aftermath of the introduction of WorkChoices is that Australia is following the lead of the US and its deregulated industrial relations model. Evidence of this concerning trend has been revealed as stories have begun to emerge in the Australian community, regarding the effects of WorkChoices on women, families and young people. These groups have experienced worsening pay and conditions solely because the of the WorkChoices legislation, thus setting Australian workers up for potential loss of income, lifestyle and an effective employment relationship.