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John Harrower smiles, looks at camera, blue shirt

From Bishop John

Bishop concerned over new IR Laws

28 June 2006

Statement to workers rallies - June Week of Action 2006

These new IR laws seem to have gone much further than we expected. The consequences for the nature of our society are disturbing. Opinion from respected economic commentators questions the need for the extreme laws and whether they will create a bigger pie or simply transfer workers' wages and conditions to company profits.

Its effects on vulnerable workers could change society, as we know it:

  • Reduction of wages resulting in parents having to work more hours or more jobs leading to insecurity within the family unit;
  • A growth in the working poor - part-time workers, women in the service sector, young people, migrant workers;
  • Insecurity resulting from dismissal without adequate reason - 90 per cent of workers in Tasmania work in businesses with fewer than 100 employees;
  • Individual contracts forced upon workers even when the majority in a workplace want to work collectively for agreement.

As a relatively rich society we can afford to be generous. If our economy is strong and our systems have been working we must apply our faith in examining why such laws have been put in place. Surely it is not to place wealth in the hands of a few at the expense of our working families. It is not an argument to say jobs must be created at all costs - it is critical to our faith that we create work that can sustain and strengthen families and communities.

I stand with you in opposing these news laws as the case studies including the example of Spotlight have only reinforced the nature of these laws as diminishing workers' ability to earn a decent living and in turn contributing constructively to their communities.

(signed) John

Bishop John Harrower

Bishop of Tasmania

Contact - Media Officer - Revd Stephen Carnaby 0417 343 710