GIG WORKER WIN SHOWS IT’S NOT “COMPLICATED”

A landmark union win in NSW proves it is possible to extend proper pay and protections to gig workers – putting the lie to the Morrison Government’s claim that it’s all too “complicated”.

In an historic ruling, Amazon Flex gig worker drivers have been granted enforceable minimum pay rates by the NSW industrial relations tribunal, in a case brought by the Transport Workers Union.

This is a huge win for these workers. Some will be paid up to 40 per cent more as a result.

The ruling shows it’s possible to give gig workers a better deal so they’re not underpaid and exploited – we just need a federal government with the political will to deliver minimum standards for all gig workers.

When we asked the Morrison Government if they agreed no worker should be paid less than the minimum wage they said it was “complicated”.

It’s not complicated at all. It’s actually really simple. No one should be paid less than the legal minimum. Full stop.

An Albanese Labor Government will give the Fair Work Commission expanded powers to set minimum pay and conditions for all gig workers across Australia. We shouldn’t have to wait for courts and tribunals in every state and territory to gradually catch up – we can make this change now.

There is one simple reason Mr Morrison won’t pursue minimum standards for gig workers: because low wages are a “deliberate design feature” of this government’s economic policies.

This is a government that, after almost a decade in power, has failed to do anything to stop wage theft, labour hire rip-offs or the dangerous exploitation of gig workers.

They have consistently intervened to ensure workers get less job security and less pay.

Only an Albanese Labor Government will deliver more secure jobs, better pay and a fairer system with our Secure Australian Jobs Plan.

FRIDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 2022