More than 70 per cent called for all Victorian workers to have access to overtime, bereavement leave and penalty rates. The research, commissioned by the Victorian Trades Hall Council, is at odds with a study authorised by the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry last October. Both studies have been designed to influence public opinion on whether Victoria needs to reconstitute its industrial relations system. The survey debunks the whole notion that somehow small business is opposed to industrial fairness in Victoria. Clearly this survey shows small business supports the notion of the same standards for everyone.
Small business wants certainty.
While the government has chosen not to reintroduce a full industrial tribunal, which existed in Victoria before 1992, its bill is designed to replace basic conditions for Victorian workers not covered by federal awards and who fall under section 1A of the Workplace Relations Act. Thousands of Victorian workers do not receive annual, parental, sick, carers, bereavement and long service leave. Their hours of work, including meal and rest breaks, are not regulated. The Age Company Ltd 2001. Any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.