Industrial relations, or, the eyes have it. | Friday, December 01, 2006 |
Yesterday was a big day for the union movement here in Australia - not as big as they'd have liked but between 40,000 and 60,000 people turned up to a rally held at the famous MCG to bring attention to changes in work rights.
In truth the changes are done and dusted. The government passed them into law a while back and last week the first case arguing against them was conducted in the high court and lost, effectively blocking off a judicial avenue for union's to have them overturned. It seems that the only way they'll be reversed now is with a change in government at the election next year and frankly, unless someone can find video of John Howard having sex with a horse, that looks pretty unlikely. Labour have stated that they'd repeal the laws, but the incumbent leader has no real charisma or voter appeal.
As with most unionized things this largely means nothing to me. The industries that I work in are essentially de-unionised at the level at which I'm employed but for some thegradual rapid errosion of rights is a big deal.
Nevertheless, last week we were all asked to sign an amendment to our employment termans and conditions. It's not obligatory, but future promotions and so on are dependent on it. In practice the changes are very minor and are designed to bring notice periods across the business units in line and perhaps make it more difficult for one leaving staff member to poach others – neither of which are really relevant to me at this point in time.
For signing however, we're awarded $35. If we opt to donate the money to charity, the company though it's matched giving programme doubles it (subject to the provision that the target charity is non-religious and non-political).
Since I saw an advert in the New Scientest a few months back, I've been meaning to donate to the Fred Hollows Foundation, a group that provide cataract operations to people developing countries (though tellingly they run a programme in Australia for indigenous peoples).
With both Gillian and I having family members who've undergone cataract operations over the past few years this seems like a nice fit and unlike my existing direct debit to Cancer Research in the UK, this one is not at all self-serving.
In truth the changes are done and dusted. The government passed them into law a while back and last week the first case arguing against them was conducted in the high court and lost, effectively blocking off a judicial avenue for union's to have them overturned. It seems that the only way they'll be reversed now is with a change in government at the election next year and frankly, unless someone can find video of John Howard having sex with a horse, that looks pretty unlikely. Labour have stated that they'd repeal the laws, but the incumbent leader has no real charisma or voter appeal.
As with most unionized things this largely means nothing to me. The industries that I work in are essentially de-unionised at the level at which I'm employed but for some the
Nevertheless, last week we were all asked to sign an amendment to our employment termans and conditions. It's not obligatory, but future promotions and so on are dependent on it. In practice the changes are very minor and are designed to bring notice periods across the business units in line and perhaps make it more difficult for one leaving staff member to poach others – neither of which are really relevant to me at this point in time.
For signing however, we're awarded $35. If we opt to donate the money to charity, the company though it's matched giving programme doubles it (subject to the provision that the target charity is non-religious and non-political).
Since I saw an advert in the New Scientest a few months back, I've been meaning to donate to the Fred Hollows Foundation, a group that provide cataract operations to people developing countries (though tellingly they run a programme in Australia for indigenous peoples).
With both Gillian and I having family members who've undergone cataract operations over the past few years this seems like a nice fit and unlike my existing direct debit to Cancer Research in the UK, this one is not at all self-serving.
