Catholic Bishops call for changes to workplace legislation

The Catholic Bishops of Australia today called for changes to the Federal Government’s employment law reforms to help moderate the impact on the poor, the vulnerable and families.

The Bishops, meeting in Conference in Sydney, have issued a statement saying that the integration of economic growth and social justice is a fundamental obligation of government and must be pursued in ways that are fair and equitable to all.

“The Catholic Bishops of Australia have been scrutinising the religious and ethical implications of the Commonwealth Government Workplace Relations Amendment (Work Choices) Bill (2005),” their statement says.

“Given the fact that the Catholic Church is a major employer in Australia, this legislation is of particular interest to us. We are guided by our own social teaching that offers us ethical principles and terms of reference.

“A major concern of Catholic Social Teaching is always the effect legislation has on the poor and vulnerable and its impact on family life.”

The Bishops question whether the proposed national system of employment regulation includes the objectives of employment growth, fair remuneration and security of employment and whether it promotes truly cooperative workplace relations and ensures the protection of the poor and the vulnerable.

“We are concerned that the proposed legislation, as it is presently drafted, does not provide a proper balance between the rights of employers and employees in several respects,” their statement says.

“Changes are necessary to alleviate some of the undesirable consequences of the legislation, especially in regard to its potential impact on the poor, on the vulnerable and on families.”

In particular the Bishops raise concerns with the Government’s proposals regarding the Minimum Wage, Minimum Conditions and Bargaining, Unfair Dismissals and the Role of Unions.

The Bishops’ employment relations body, the Australian Catholic Commission for Employment Relations, has previously issued a briefing paper outlining concerns with the Government’s proposals and its officials appeared at the Senate Inquiry into the legislation.