COURT BACKS RIGHTS FOR GIG WORKERS

The UK Supreme Court has ruled that Uber drivers are employees entitled to minimum pay and protections – making it harder for Scott Morrison to maintain the damaging fiction that gig workers are independent contractors.

In a landmark ruling that could have major implications for the gig economy across the world, the court unanimously found Uber drivers should be treated as employees rather than self-employed.

Australia doesn’t need to wait for the courts here to find the same thing. The government could act right now to stop the exploitation of gig workers.

These workers are being ripped off and forced to work in dangerous conditions, resulting in the deaths of five delivery riders late last year.

This is why an Albanese Labor Government will give the Fair Work Commission expanded powers to ensure gig workers are properly paid and protected.

Scott Morrison and Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter on the other hand have made it clear they don’t intend to do anything to fix this issue - repeatedly backing the ridiculous claims these workers are contractors.

The government seems to think it’s all too hard.

Asked earlier this month if these workers should be paid the minimum wage, Mr Porter’s response was “it’s complicated”.

Australia deserves better than a government that dodges responsibility and throws its hands in the air when there are problems to solve.

Labor has a plan to fix these problems with its Secure Australian Jobs Plan because Labor is on the side of workers.

MONDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2021