Unions launch collective bargaining ads

The new ads feature real workers talking about why collective bargaining is important to them.

CPSU National Secretary Stephen Jones says: “The ads are a timely reminder that collective bargaining not only delivers better pay and conditions for individuals, but is also improves standards for the whole community.

"Whenever asked, workers say collective bargaining makes sense. They are usually surprised to find that Australia has no law which guarantees the right to collectively bargain. In fact because WorkChoices still exists, the employer has the right to choose whether you collectively bargain or not.

“The right to collective bargaining is something CPSU members are passionate about. It’s one of the main reasons this union was front and centre in the Your Rights at Work campaign. With CPSU members in the Tax Office, Centrelink, Defence and Telstra gearing up to fight for new agreements, there is a pressing need for decent collective bargaining rules to be locked in by Parliament once and for all," he said.

While unions have welcomed the Government's recent announcement of ten new National Employment Standards, the ACTU and the whole union movement is stepping up the campaign and pressuring Labour to dismantle WorkChoices and deliver its election commitments on fair work laws.

With the advertisement's set to run over the next month, Mr. Jones said that all politicians, including new senators, should take notice.

"Last November the Australian people made some very clear statements about workplace laws and the policies of the former Government. These advertisements are a useful reminder to all politicians that the public's verdict not only condemned WorkChoices but strongly endorsed collective bargaining.

"A new IR framework with collective bargaining at its heart - including the introduction of a statutory right to collectively bargaining if a majority of workers so request - is critical to promoting fairness and democracy in Australian workplaces," he said.

More information

• New ACTU ads: Watch the new advertisements on YouTube here.
• Recent media: Read a report from The Australian here and Sydney Morning Herald here.
• Campaign page: Latest Your Rights at Work news, updates and how you can stay involved here.
• Have your say: What do you think about the new ads? Post a comment below.