Fed: AWAs not policy, just on review, says Smith

AAP General News (Australia)
12-08-2004
Fed: AWAs not policy, just on review, says Smith

In a major turnaround, Labor says it will consider Australian Workplace Agreements
in a review of its industrial relations policies.

But Opposition industrial relations spokesman STEPHEN SMITH says that doesn't mean
Labor's policy on the matter has changed.

Australian Workplace Agreements are the HOWARD government's preferred one-on-one employment
contracts between employees and employers.

The individual agreements have to be kept secret, and exclude unions or any collective
bargaining.

Labor has had a consistent policy of scrapping AWAs if it regains power.

New South Wales Labor MP DARYL MELHAM says the party should not pre-empt the policy decision.

Australian Democrats Leader ANDREW BARTLETT says Labor's decision to review things
like the Australian Workplace Agreements is a welcome sign.

He says Labor needs a balanced approach in the industrial relations area.

AAP dep/dl/jv/rt

KEYWORD: WORKPLACE SMITH (CANBERRA)

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