'We urge the government to take a breath and avoid rushing to introduce such extreme changes'
Employers across Australia have expressed alarm over legislative changes, and urged the government to slow down as it commences the introduction of its workplace reforms to Parliament. Innes Willox, Australian Industry Group chief executive, warned that "high-risk proposals" could have consequences that could cost jobs and harm the economy.
"We need a workplace relations system that is fair for all parties and delivers sustainable benefits to employees," Willox said.
According to Willox, it’s important for the government to be responsible when introducing changes to the workplace.
"We must avoid extreme changes that risk imposing damaging strikes and harm on the community and businesses,” Willox said. “A responsible approach to changes to workplace laws is crucial. We urge the government to take a breath and avoid rushing to introduce such extreme changes to our workplace relations system."
Read more: Parliament anticipates new 'Secure Jobs, Better Pay' bill
HRD previously reported that the Albanese Labour government plans to introduce the "Secure Jobs, Better Pay Bill" to Parliament this month, which Employment Minister Tony Burke said would "get wages moving."
Burke said a key objective of the bill was to help close the gender pay gap in workplaces by banning pay secrecy clauses, among other reforms. Businesses, however, are wary of the potential inclusion of multi-employer bargaining in the government's upcoming reforms, an inclusion they’re opposing but unions are advocating.
"We want wages to go up but that won't be achieved by creating more complexity, more strikes and higher unemployment," said Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott.
Andrew McKellar, chief executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also warned that jobs and businesses will be at risk once multi-employer bargaining introduces "unwanted terms and conditions on workplaces."
"Undermining genuine workplace agreements and increasing the scope for aggressive industrial action are a recipe for disaster with deteriorating international conditions," McKellar said.
Read more: Employers warn anew against multi-employer bargaining
A previous report from the Productivity Commission warned that while multi-employer bargaining could improve the bargaining position of employees, it could diminish productivity requirements.
It would also force firms to "compromise" some requirements and flexibility, encourage "cost-collusion," and lead to increased prices or reduced quality for consumers, the report said.
Willox said the report is a "very clear warning shot" and a "brutal reality check for unions" that are pushing for multi-employer bargaining.
"Any proposal that would undermine enterprise bargaining, increase industrial action and disruption in already fragile supply chains would be fiercely opposed by business," Willox said in a previous statement.
