Government makes amendments ahead of IR debate

Submitted 17/03/2009

AAP

The Federal Government has given some ground on unions' right of entry provisions in its proposed industrial relations laws now before the Senate.

The Government, which hopes to get its Fair Work bill through parliament by the end of this week, released its own amendments today.

But debate on the bill will not begin until tomorrow, allowing Workplace Relations Minister Julia Gillard more time to negotiate with independent senator Nick Xenophon and Family First's Steve Fielding.

Employers, the coalition and the independents have expressed concern over wider union right-of-entry provisions and, in particular, the ability of union officials to inspect employees' wage records.

The Government is now proposing that a union official holding a permit to inspect documents relating to an alleged award breach can do so provided it does not contravene the privacy act or related laws.

They also give the new industrial body, Fair Work Australia, the power to determine the eligibility of a union seeking to cover workers in a greenfields agreement covering a new enterprise or business.

This will allay employer fears that the proposed new laws would open up union turf wars over coverage of employees at new work sites.

Debate on the bill could mean parliament may have to sit on Friday.

The coalition plans to make half a dozen amendments to the Fair Work bill but if Ms Gillard can reach agreement with the Greens and the two independents, coalition support will not be necessary.

The Government's proposed amendments are mostly technical in nature but include recognition of clothing outworkers in enterprise agreements and modernised awards.

They also deal with the appointment of senior Australian Industrial Relations Commission members to the new body Fair Work Australia.