- Casual workers could get new benefits if a union push is given the all clear
- Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) pushing for regular shifts for casuals
- ACTU wants to see a ‘proper’ definition of casual work included in Fair Work Act
Casual workers could be entitled to sick pay and holiday leave if they are given permanent work.
Unions are preparing to fight the rise of casual employment, setting up a bitter battle with industry groups in a showdown affecting millions of Australian workers.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) wants casual workers who get regular shifts to be re-classed as permanent employees.
As part of the proposed change, employees would be given the option of converting to permanent positions after six months of regular work with one company.
Casual workers may be entitled to sick pay and holiday leave if given permanent work (stock image)
The new push by Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) would come if the workers get regular shifts (stock image)
‘The issue of casualisation, the casualisation of jobs, is going to be a key focus of the whole trade union movement next year in 2018,’ ACTU secretary Sally McManus told The Australian on Wednesday.
The move would cut the rising costs of casual wages, meaning those who work regular shifts may be re-defined as permanent workers.
‘Anything that improves the lives of working people is a step forward. It’s a win,’ ACTU secretary Sally McManus told reporters.
The move comes ten months after cuts to penalty rates were announced, slashing the wages of workers in retail, hospitality and fast food industries.
Cuts to public holiday rates came into affect July 1.
The move would cut the rising costs of casual wages, meaning those who work regular shifts may be re-defined as permanent workers (stock image)