Work is not simply economic. The rise of economic rationalism has increased exploitation and unhappiness. We promote economic democracy, social justice and respect for all who are able to devote their physical, mental and spiritual selves to producing goods and services for others in ways that go lightly on the Earth and even replenish it. The true level of unemployment is half as much again. Such average rates mask the disproportionate impacts on women, school leavers and youth, indigenous people, single parents, immigrants, and men over 45.
Casual workers are always on the verge of being unemployed.
Permanent full time paid jobs are declining and one out of every four Australians is a casual. In Western Australia three-month contracts permeate government agencies such as Health Department and TAFE, affecting teaching, hospitals and training. A mood of job insecurity lies everywhere. Even those with permanent jobs work long stressful hours and their family and community life suffers. The many unemployed and under-employed want work, but cannot find it quickly even when they are highly trained.