AWAs (Australian Workplace Agreements) have such a bad public image the Federal Government is considering changing their name.
The move is the most telling sign to date that the Government is nervous about public opposition to the Government's industrial relations reforms amid widespread fear they will reduce wages and conditions.
A name change was being considered last year and is now back on the agenda in the face of polls that show up to two thirds of people oppose workplace changes.
Despite Government claims they have benefited workers, they have a bad reputation among unions and many workers, who see them as a vehicle to strip pay and conditions.
This week the Bureau of Statistics revealed workers on individual contracts are paid less on average than those on collective agreements.
The Government now plans to abolish the "no disadvantage test" for AWAs, meaning workers could have their pay cut by signing the contracts.
With the potential for even worse stigma, it is understood the use of the term AWA is "under close scrutiny".
Unions have welcomed the news as a sign the Government is rattled.
"What are they going to change the name to? The Declaration of Independence? The You Beaut Pay Deal?" one senior union figure said.
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