Dialogue with Greg Combet
by George WrightQ. In your speech to the rallies in November you spoke of building an alliance with the community in a movement for change against the Howard laws. What's next in that campaign?
One of the great strengths of the union campaign last year was the strong links we formed with a range of organisations across the community who share our values and opposition to the Government’s IR laws. Church and faith groups in particular spoke out very strongly against the laws. One of the reasons for this is that the values which underpin the Howard Government’s approach, not just to IR but to a whole range of issues is at odds with the values held by large sections, and I think a majority, of people in the community.
This is a mean spirited Government and I don’t think that is what the majority of Australians are like. So when I say we need to build a movement for change what I mean is that we need to work with others in the community who reject the values that have underpinned the policy and political approach of the Howard Government, we need to work with them to build a political movement of decent values and optimism. We continue to talk to other groups in the community; we will work with them this year not only in the area of IR but in the areas that are important to them as well. We will invite them and encourage them to participate in our campaign not just as organisations but as individuals. Most importantly we will provide the opportunities for them to be involved in both public and behind the scenes campaign activities.
Q. What are the problems you face in building that movement?
I am very optimistic. People do not agree with the values of this Government. The Government has been very effective at splitting and splintering potential areas of opposition. But I think that if we are clear about our objectives and provide good leadership we can build a very broad movement for change. The key is to continue to look outwards. To be clear and remain focused on the values and always keep in mind who we are fighting on behalf of and that is the great bulk of working people in this country because these are the people who are going to be hurt by the Government’s laws. It won’t all be easy but we must succeed and I think we will.
Q. How does work in the marginal seats fit into that perspective; does it mean putting the ACTU's eggs in the ALP basket?
It means working toward a change of Government. That is the only way we will get rid of these laws and our strategy needs to reflect that. The key thing we need to do is keep these issues on the agenda and make sure that IR is front and foremost in people’s minds when they go in to vote in 2007. Campaigning in marginal seats is simply about making sure we direct our resources to the areas they are likely to have the most effect.
Q. How has the ACTU raised the funds from unions for the new media campaign? Is the movement united?
The unions have been great. Last year they took a bit of a punt and backed a strategy for paid advertising. It was discussed and debated in a democratic manner as it should be and the unions all went with the decision and put the funds in. And it worked. So again this year the unions have committed to fund a paid advertising campaign again this year and next year with each union contributing on a proportional basis according to the size of its membership.
Q. You have said there would be a "stoush" if the ALP didn't get its act together for a united vigorous opposition to Work Choices... how can the unions help to activate the ALP?
Use whatever influence they positively can to get everyone in the labour movement focused on the main game . Disunity is extraordinarily destructive. It has to stop.
Q. What are the keys to a new ALP Industrial Relations policy which ideas do you see as central to a new policy.
Decent rights for Australian workers. A strong safety net of minimum terms and conditions, access to an independent umpire, protection from unfair dismissal, the right for workers to bargain collectively and participate in unions.
Q. You are sending a delegation to look at other countries’ IR systems, what do you hope to achieve by that?
I want people in the labour movement to be in a position to have an informed policy debate about the type of IR system we want in Australia in the future. Part of that is under standing how unions and legislators in other parts of the world are dealing with these issues. In particular I am keen for Australian unions to get a deeper understanding of the bargaining systems that operate in other countries. What works, what doesn’t and what rights do people need in an effective and fair system. I want an informed debate that produces good realistic policy outcomes that the labour movement can unite around and fight for. If we do that we will be successful.
Q. Howard and Andrews are saying the ACTU is like Chicken Little. How do you see what Beasley called a "slow burn" developing?
Well what has become very clear since the laws have been introduced is that everything the unions have been saying has been vindicated. We now have a Government that is in damage control. These laws will impact on all workers. They will affect some workers quicker than others. Workers in low capital cost labour intensive industries like cleaning, security, labour hire industries will be affected very quickly because the new laws have smashed the award safety net and there is now a much lower set of minimum standards. No overtime, penalty rates public holidays and the rest of it. The businesses in these industries get their work by tendering for contracts and as soon as one employer in these type of industries tenders on the new lower minimums the others are going to have to follow if they don’t they won’t get the work. So in the industries we will see workers living standards and conditions eroded very quickly. We saw that in W.A. under the Court Government laws and we will see it under the Howard Government laws. In other industries it will take longer. But every Australian worker has lost very significant rights under the Government’s new IR laws and over time slowly but surely working and living standards will be eroded.
Q. What can pensioners, students and others not employed or in unions contribute to the campaign?
Be involved. Sign up to the ACTU website http://www.rightsatwork.com.au Campaign in their communities and get involved in public events. People are strongly opposed to what the Government is doing. The key challenge for every activist is to get information to as many people as possible about the new laws and the effects they will have on people. Help keep the issues on the agenda.
George Wright is a Policy & Communications officer with the ACTU. He can be contacted at: gwright@actu.asn.au