New Labor proposal threatens competitive labour hire arrangements

17 Jul 2018 |

The Federal Opposition’s plan to increase labour hire regulation risks undermining the flexibility and competitiveness of Australia’s workforce, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said today.

“Labour hire providers go to considerable lengths to deliver highly competitive wages and conditions for their workers,’ Australian Chamber CEO, James Pearson, said today.

“There is already a strong safety net in place. The case has not been made for additional regulation of labour hiring or the wages paid for labour hire work.

“Any proposal to change the rules for labour hire should be based on an informed understanding of the critical role labour hire work plays now, and will play into the future, for both clients and labour hire employees.

“It would be concerning if representation of labour hire employees was ‘outsourced’ to union officials they have never met, negotiating with businesses that do not employ them,” Mr Pearson said.

“The Opposition has also re-committed to a national labour hire licensing scheme.

“Any government looking to take action in this area needs to be well informed and only regulate where there is a demonstrated need to do so. If licensing proceeds it must be sensible, proportionate, practical and accessible.

“Consulting closely with labour hire providers and the wider business community will be critical.”

Duncan Bremner

Director - Public Affairs and Advocacy

P  |  0448 822 666

E  |  [email protected]

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