Catholic Religious Australia (CRA) welcomes the passing of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Secure Jobs, Better Pay) Bill 2022 by Parliament last Friday 2 December 2022.
CRA made a submission to the Senate Education and Employment Legislation Committee supporting the introduction of the Bill.
CRA applauds the government for introducing measures which strengthen multi-employer bargaining, one of the key points in CRA’s submission to the Senate.
Australia has experienced significant income stagnation for almost 10 years, with wages growth decelerating from an average of 4% per year prior to 2013 to currently about 2% per year.
The spread of the gig economy and the growing role of labour hire firms have significantly changed the nature of the labour market, particularly in the care sector.
“The strengthening of multi-employer bargaining is good news for everyone but especially those who work in the care sector,” said Peter Jones OSA, President of CRA.
“This will help improve the historically low pay rates for employees who play such an important role in the lives of many persons who are older or living with disability,” he added.
The long-term care workforce has become increasingly individualised, with low union membership, poor pay and insecure working hours.
CRA also welcomes the introduction of a cap on Fixed Term Contracts as a step in the right direction towards improving the situation for those facing the challenge of insecure work.
“Work should never be reduced to a mere commodity,” said Anne Walker, CRA National Executive Director.
“The right to safe, secure and fulfilling work is central to the dignity of the human person and our industrial relations system should facilitate the achievement of this objective,” she added.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Sylvia MacRitchie-Hook | M: 0410 644 356 | E: comms@catholicreligious.org.au