Unions
Morrison gives green light to wage theft
The Morrison Government has withdrawn legislation criminalising wage theft in Australia, essentially giving employers the green light to underpay Australian workers.
In a cynical move following their inability to pass their unfair Industrial Relations Omnibus Bill, the Morrison Government has pulled provisions that would have criminalised the practice of intentional wage theft and increased penalties for business engaged in it.
Wage theft has been reported as being at critical levels across the country, including in NSW. Recent examples include those at Rockpool and hospitality group MaDE.
Associate Professor Angela Knox from the University of Sydney described the move as “a missed opportunity to prevent Australia’s wage theft crisis from deepening”.
“The federal government’s unwillingness to protect workers’ wages and ensure a level playing field will spur a race to the bottom.”
Sally McManus from Australian Unions echoed Professor Knox’s comments, calling the move as a “spiteful act” by the Morrison Government.
“[The Federal Government] has removed all wage theft elements which would increased penalties for employers committing wage theft and made it easier for workers to claim stolen wages”.
“We will make sure these issues follow them to the next election – we know Australians won’t back wage theft,” she added.
The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association will continue to work with the Australian union movement to ensure adequate federal legislation on wage theft. You can find out more about the campaign here.