WILL DEMERITS APPLY TO DODGY BOSSES AND WAGE THIEVES?

No changes can salvage Scott Morrison’s anti-worker union-bashing “Ensuring Integrity” legislation.

Reports that Christian Porter may adopt a union leader “demerits system” in a bid to get this legislation through the Senate doesn’t make it any less extreme or dangerous.

Under a demerits system, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union could still have been shut down for its campaign against James Hardie over asbestos.

Will a demerits system be applied to companies involved in ripping off workers through wage theft or exploitation?

Will it be applied to people like Liberal Party benefactor and serial industrial lawbreaking employer Gerry Hanssen?

Of course not.

This system will be weaponised only against unions and by extension workers who need a pay rise at a time of record-low wages growth.

It will be used to hobble the very organisations that fight wage theft and worker exploitation, and ensure safer workplaces.

Labor will not support this legislation under any circumstances. And we call on the Senate crossbench to stand with Labor to protect workers’ rights, wages and conditions.

MONDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2019