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New agreements side-line unions

A MAJOR battle is emerging as the Australian Government takes on the labor opposition and trade unions over its plan to introduce individual workers agreements which will side-line the trade unions.

Workers will be able to cash in entitlements such as meal breaks and public holidays for pay rises under landmark workplace reforms.

In the biggest industrial relations shake-up since the Government took power a decade ago, the reforms will attempt to drive more individual bargaining in the workplace and curtail union power.

The Federal Government will aim to create a national industrial relations system by establishing minimum employment conditions and protecting existing entitlements.

Under the reforms, the Government will restrict unfair dismissal laws to businesses with 100 employees or more and establish a Fair Pay Commission to set minimum and award wages.

Minimum conditions will be enshrined in legislation, including a 38-hour normal working week and four weeks' annual leave. Workers will get 10 days' paid personal leave a year, such as sick days.

However, the Government has ignored an Australian Industrial Relations Commission ruling for two years' unpaid maternity leave and will restrict this to the present maximum of 52 weeks.

Workers and new employees will be legally able to remain on awards and those with higher minimum standards will keep their more generous conditions.

Those who opt for individual workplace agreements will be able to trade entitlements for pay rises.

Along with meal breaks and public holidays, workers also can cash in bonuses, leave loadings, allowances and penalty rates for higher take-home pay.

Prime Minister, John Howard denied employers would be able to pressure workers into signing agreements.

Prime Minister John Howard said the reforms would help people tailor their own work and leisure balance and ensure Australia maintained its competitive edge.