Fed: Labor states consider challenge to new IR laws

AAP General News (Australia)
12-03-2004
Fed: Labor states consider challenge to new IR laws

Labor states are considering a constitutional challenge to the federal government's
new industrial relations laws, limiting the rights of unions to enter workplaces.

Under the legislation, union officials would only be allowed one visit every six months
for recruitment, have restrictions on what they can do on-site and undergo training in
their rights and responsibilities on entering a workplace.

It would also stop unions and employers agreeing to more liberal rules.

The Australian Financial Review quotes New South Wales Industrial Relations Minister
JOHN DELLA BOSCA saying he's inclined to see how far the rule can be challenged.

The newspaper says the WA government has threatened a constitutional challenge if unfair
dismissal laws go ahead and other states, including Queensland, are considering their
position.

The federal government will be able to push a long list of blocked industrial relations
legislation through from July the 1st next year, when it takes control of the Senate for
the first time in 23 years.

AAP RTV jb/psm/

KEYWORD: WORKPLACE (SYDNEY)

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