A national poll of 1,013 respondents was conducted by Essential Research between the 25th and 30th of August. It found nearly seven out of ten workers (67%) are not aware that the governments are working together to standardise the nation’s occupational health and safety laws.
AMWU Health and Safety Officer Deb Vallance said unions are concerned the proposed new laws will reduce the existing rights and protections for many Australian workers.
"The changes will reduce the power of employees while giving greater power to employers, but the poll shows the Australian public don’t want workplace safety rights undermined."
"It is essential that the Federal Government does not cave in to pressure from major employers and business lobby groups on this fundamental issue for workers."
The poll shows there is significant support in the Australian community for stronger rights and protections for workers and an ongoing role for unions in checking workplaces where employees are worried they are in danger.
Eighty one per cent of those surveyed agreed workers should have the right to call in help from a union to check on health and safety issues regardless of their employer’s approval.
"There is also strong public resistance to moves by employers to deny injured workers the right to prosecute employers under workplace health and safety laws," said Ms Vallance.
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