News Release

WORK LAWS TURN BACK THE CLOCK FOR WORKING WOMEN

8 March 2007

Women workers have taken a huge leap backwards in the equality stakes as a result of the federal government's unfair new work laws.

SA Unions Secretary, Janet Giles says the gap between men and women in the workplace is actually widening despite women's best efforts.

Ms Giles says many women are unable to achieve work equity because the federal government has effectively legislated against it.

"The work laws mean many women are relegated to casual or part-time work, on lower wages and with fewer rights. Overtime and penalty payments are becoming a thing of the past.  And workers are powerless to challenge it because they can be sacked without notice of reason."

"As a result, working women on average earn $100 a week less than men", Ms Giles says.

"Full time working women now earn on average 10% less than men - it is the same gender wage gap as turning back the clock 30 years to 1978."

"But pay inequality is just one employment challenge facing women.  Just as important are the issues of paid maternity leave and affordable child care."

"Too many employers offer no maternity leave, or unpaid maternity leave.  Before these new work laws women were making real gains in achieving paid maternity leave, but since the changes, unpaid leave is the new minimum."

"Others are unable to return to work because the cost of childcare is so high that it outstrips the benefits of working."

"The only way we will right these wrongs is by getting rid of the architects of the bad new system.  That means getting rid of the Coalition government at the next federal election and electing a government that will restore fairness and balance for workers - especially working women", Ms Giles says.