Page 34 - ETU Journal Autumn 2017

ApprENTIcES > CASUALISATION
tHe casUaL and grOwing attack On wOrkers’ rigHts
ffffffThe casualization of our workers is gathering speed, and with it comes job insecurity, dangerous
workplaces, anxiety, bullying and standover tactics. It means no holiday pay and no paid sick leave. It ensures a culture of distrust and division amongst workers. It exposes our families to the whims of profit-hunters.
Apprentice Cameron Hill joined us at ETU HQ as a Victorian Trades Hall Council [VTHC] summer intern, and reported on his experience in such a workplace.
Importing bad practice that brings unskilled labour and deliberately undermines worker leverage
This foreign-owned, electrical contracting company has a small number of proud Union members. However, they [the workers] are overwhelmed by unskilled, casual labourers doing the work of electricians.
This is doubly concerning as it affects the safety of airports around Australia.
It was common practice for site managers to be subcontracted or casual employees. Even the OH&S representative was a subbie chosen by the boss, without consultation. This allowed the company directors to palm worksite issues off on casual site managers who were under pressure to keep management onside, leaving employees’ concerns out in the cold.
A revolving door showing casual workers in, and those who speak up — out
Workers more experienced in fair workplaces would speak up over pay, conditions and health and safety to their cost. They were usually shown the door
by generally younger (inexperienced), subcontracted, or casual site managers protecting their own jobs. Management had successfully created a culture in which workers preferred to shut up, rather than speak up.
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tHE Etu > AutuMn 2016
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