Cloud over International Women's Day as IR changes set to take effect

8th March 2006

More women are likely to make discrimination complaints with Equal Opportunity Commission Victoria as a result of new Federal Government workplace laws (Work Choices).

Commission Chief Executive Officer, Dr Helen Szoke, said the Commission was bracing itself for increased complaints, particularly from pregnant women and parents. "International Women's Day is meant to be about celebrating the achievements of women but the new industrial relations laws will make it tougher for working women, particularly mothers," she said.

When Work Choices comes into force this month, unfair dismissal will no longer be against the law for businesses with fewer than 100 workers. But Victorian Equal Opportunity laws prohibit employers from sacking workers because of their sex, age, pregnancy, disability, parental or carer status.

The removal of access to unfair dismissal claims leaves State and Federal anti-discrimination bodies as the only avenue left for sacked workers seeking a remedy. The Commission already receives about 400 calls a year from sacked workers. This number may double.

Dr Szoke warned small business owners that the introduction of Work Choices did not mean that workers could be sacked for no good reason.

"All businesses, regardless of their size, are still required to adhere to equal opportunity laws, treat their workers fairly and provide a workplace that is free from discrimination and sexual harassment."

Dr Szoke said Work Choices would most adversely affect those in the weakest bargaining position, including women and people with parental and carer responsibilities.

"Working parents and carers have limited bargaining power and are unlikely to refuse employment terms even if they are family unfriendly.

"Women are also more likely to be forced into individual contracts (AWAs) because they leave and re-enter the workforce more than men.

"We have seen from experience that AWAs often include less access to annual leave, sick leave, paid maternity leave, or carers leave - all provisions which are essential for working mothers." Media enquiries: Slavka Scott (03) 9281 7150 mob: 0419 33 77 32