LABOR’S “MODERN” AWARDS COMMENCE 1st JANUARY 2010 – ARE YOU READY?
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said today that business owners in his electorate will be interested to know that Labor’s so-called “modern award” system becomes law on 1st January 2010 and asks - Is your business ready?
“Some of these awards were only finalised in early December, giving business less than one month to learn about the new minimum terms and conditions that will apply to their staff,” Mr Ruddock said.
In some instances, the new modern awards have:
· Reduced the number of hours that your employees can work in one week;
· Have increased minimum rates of pay, penalty rates, allowances and loadings; and
· Created new obligations to consult with unions before making any change to business.
These changes are imminent despite the Federal government’s Julia Gillard promising to ensure that “modern awards” would not increase labour costs for business. The Coalition tried to change these impending laws in an effort to save jobs and help small business, in particular, recover from difficult times. Labor voted against our changes every step of the way.
“As your local Federal representative, I am concerned that government has not done enough to highlight these new laws and I therefore encourage small business to take steps to learn about the “modern awards” and what you need to do to comply,” Philip Ruddock said.
“You can learn more by visiting
www.fwa.gov.au or by contacting your local business chamber or accountant and I would also welcome your feedback about the impact these award changes will have on your business and staff and you may email me on
philip.ruddockmp@aph.gov.au.
“These “modern awards” have the potential to increase operating costs by over 25%, so I encourage small business to take action now before time runs out,” he said.