"While the economic boom means corporate profits are at an all time high, there is a growing class of people in Australia that are being left behind," said Ms Burrow.
"Our latest research shows that the Howard Government's unfair IR laws are a contributing factor.
Average real wages for full time workers throughout Australia are failing to keep pace with inflation for the first time since the introduction of the GST.
Recent data also shows that workers in the hospitality and retail industries are being hardest hit.
Workers in our shops, cafes and bars are bearing the brunt of the new IR laws.
They work in sectors of the economy where many employers have moved to take advantage of the new IR laws by cutting penalty rates, overtime payments, public holiday pay and annual leave loading.
"If there is an economic downturn many people will start to feel the effects. Real wages could go down further, people could lose their jobs and Australians who are mortgaged to the hilt could lose their homes and many may be forced to turn to charities for help.
The Howard Government's IR policy means that in a downturn low paid workers will be hung out to dry when they most need protection and support," said Ms Burrow.
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