Queensland Council of Unions

Working with Queensland unions who represent over 370,000 workers in Queensland on industrial, political and social justice issues

21 January 2014

New laws mean Friday afternoon drinks now put your job at risk
A number of Queensland unions decided today to explore further options to fight unfair LNP laws that mean a worker could lose their employment for having a couple of beers with workmates on a Friday afternoon. Unions have also called for a review of these laws. Queensland Council of Unions President John Battams said unions had always stood up for their members against legislation that was unfair. No union supports or condones criminal activity. Neither do unions support laws that are unfair to workers and put peoples livelihoods at risk, Mr Battams said. Unions in Queensland are now very concerned that new licensing legislation now gives the government the ability to deregister workers across many industries, including electricians, plumbers and security guards. They could do this simply if you had a beer on a couple of Friday afternoons with workmates who are considered by the government to be prescribed persons. You might not even know that they have been classified as a member or an associate of a prohibited organisation but the government could simply remove your licence and youd be out of work. Successfully appealing against such a decision will be very difficult. This campaign is led by unions that have members directly affected by the legislation. We have decided to explore legal advice in how a High Court challenge might proceed, because potentially this legislation could affect every occupation that requires registration in Queensland, Mr Battams said. If applied more widely, this could include teachers, radiographers, doctors, nurses everyone who requires state registration or licensing to work, he said. Workers in these professions could all be a risk through these laws targeting freedom of association. The QCU has also written to the Government seeking a meeting to discuss the unforeseen impacts of these laws on workers rights and a possible review of the legislation. Mr Battams said the concept of innocent until proven guilty seems to have been forgotten by this government. Unfortunately, it seems anyone or any organisation that speaks out against this governments legislation is automatically labelled as an apologist for criminal gangs. Unions exist to defend the rights of workers and we will stand up each and every time we are needed.

CONTACT:

John Battams 0418 876 283 / Brett Young 0400 080 099