What is the government afraid of? The truth getting out?

Academics' access to AWAs cut

WHILE the Federal Government has attacked academics whose study of WorkChoices it disagrees with, it has also stopped researchers from getting crucial information to study the effects of the industrial relations system.

Workplace Authority chief Barbara Bennett has written to two researchers in recent months denying access to samples of people's individual contracts — Australian Workplace Agreements — citing privacy.

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Ms Bennett's predecessor, Peter McIlwain, gave evidence to a Senate committee last year that 40 per cent of WorkChoices' AWAs stripped entitlements to public holidays; 52 per cent reduced shift loadings and 63 per cent cut penalty rates.

Link: The Age: Academics' access to AWAs cut

Well I would hate to break it to them, but the truth is out. Most sensible, Aussies, with a brain understand the AWAs hurt ordinary Aussie workers.

As you know I work in the security industry. An industry that really is tight when it comes to giving out money. I don't earn all that much, and I hate signing an AWA, but most security firms require you to sign them today. And most companies will give you four hour shifts so they don't have to give you meal or rest breaks.

When I work later this week, I will be standing on my feet for four hours without a break. I have a drink with me, and if I am hungry I will get a piece of fruit or two and eat that, while standing on my feet.

In four years of doing this job, I have never enjoyed a Christmas holiday, or any holiday. I work for flat rate, and usually work on public holidays with no bonus. Last year I had to take Australia Day off, just because it also happens to be my mothers birthday, just so I could spend it with her.

I also blame this on the downfall of my relationship. I was hardly home during waking hours, so I could chat with my now ex, so our contact began really cutting off. Then when I lost my last job I entered into a really deep depression, and she ultimately couldn't handle it. Life is sad, and government makes it worse.