High stakes election for workers

Date: 13 August 2010

In a last ditch attempt to inform voters of the dangers of a return to WorkChoices and a massive cut to their retirement incomes after the election, unions will hold an urgent series of meetings with workers across western Sydney starting today.

The Liberal Party is yet to release either its detailed Industrial Relations Policy or its Superannuation Policy, heightening fears among workers over the security of their jobs and incomes if Tony Abbott is elected, the ACTU says.

In difficult times we need a government that is committed to workers' job security

Average workers could lose up to $150,000 from their superannuation if there is a change of government says ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence.

"Today I will be meeting with workers in western Sydney who are worried about their jobs and worried about the security of their entitlements and superannuation," Mr Lawrence said.

"So far, the Liberals have said they will axe the mining tax and with it, Labor's plan to lift national superannuation from 9% up to 12%.

Abbott can't be trusted on WorkChoices, can;t be trusted on superannuation and workers' entitlements

"Working Australians should be aware that not only would the Coalition bring back the worst aspects of WorkChoices, but it has a track record when it was last in government of preventing workers from having greater financial security in retirement.

"Tony Abbott can't be trusted on WorkChoices and he also can't be trusted on superannuation and workers' entitlements.

"A re-elected Labor Government will increase national superannuation to 12%, delivering an extra $108,000 in savings for the average 30-year-old worker. Tony Abbott opposes this.

Abbott will cut protection from being sacked unfairly

"For a 30-year-old worker on an average wage the new MySuper default superannuation product would lift their retirement savings by $40,000. Together, these changes would deliver an extra $150,000 into the pockets of retired workers.

Mr Lawrence said unions will continue reminding working Australians of Mr Abbott's record in the Howard Government as one of the strongest supporters of WorkChoices, and his plans to bring back WorkChoices-style individual contracts and to cut protection from being sacked unfairly.

Unions are also preparing a series of newspaper advertisements in NSW marginal electorates to inform workers unable to attend the union meetings.