Govt should consider minimum redundancy standards
MEDIA RELEASE
25 November 2008
Govt should consider minimum redundancy standards
"The new government should keep alive a proposal on guaranteed redundancy payments for workers," Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly said today.
The government is currently working on a transition package for workers affected by job losses, which includes payment of up to $160 for workers already in receipt of government income support, for accommodation or Working for Families.
Earlier in the year an Advisory Group on redundancy and restructuring, which included business and worker representation, agreed that the Government should consider a statutory requirement for notice and compensation, and set out a number of options.
"Being made redundant is a stressful time for workers both personally and financially. The burden of business closure or downsizing often falls unfairly on workers when they are laid off without compensation," Helen Kelly said.
"Moves to establish guaranteed redundancy entitlements in the last parliament should continue to be developed by the new government."
"Members of unions are much more likely to have redundancy protections, and this shows the benefit of workers coming together collectively to negotiate with employers, in good times and bad."
"But everyone should be entitled to some redundancy payment as part of the minimum code of work rights for all workers," Helen Kelly said.
ENDS