This was one of several issues discussed during a meeting between Deputy
Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister for Employment and Industrial
Relations, Julia Gillard and Printing Industries representatives National President Peter Lane, CEO Philip Andersen and National Employee Relations and OHS
Manager, Ken Stenner.

The Printing Industries delegation sought clarification on a
range of ALP industrial relations policy issues. These included:

• The
  unfair burden on employers under proposed Forward With Fairness parental
  leave provisions that would guarantee parents up to two years parental
  leave and 'flexible' work arrangements up to a child's school age;
• Long
  Service Leave policy that could significantly increase current provisions;
• Award
  provisions, their application and limitations;
• Proposed
  procedures for determining claims of unfair dismissal;
• Casual
  employees and
• Collective
  Agreement ground rules.

Peter Lane says, "It was very important that we get some direct answers on ALP
industrial policy and provide reinforcement to the Opposition on the concerns
of our members to some of their policy statements. Such policies could have a
detrimental impact on our industry if the Opposition win government and their
policies are implemented. Our discussions were very frank and open and Ms
Gillard was very happy to take on all issues raised."

Philip Andersen said one of the most important issues discussed was the
anticipated role of unions in collective agreements. He says, "Our concern is
that an expanded union role could destabilise business confidence and lead to
unbalanced and politically imposed agreement bargaining that would threaten the
viability of many of our member companies.

"Ms Gillard assured us that the union role would be to assist its
members and to work with employers. Both groups would be considered principal
parties negotiating agreement terms.

"She also assured us that the current practice of allowing agreements to
be based on workplace functional areas within a business would be maintained
and enterprise-wide, one-size fits all agreement laws would not be
introduced."

Ms Gillard foreshadowed the formation of a business advisory group to
give a Federal Labor Government feedback on any proposed new employment laws.

"This is a welcome move as it will provide an important conduit for
industry to have a representative voice in the development and implementation
of legislation" said Ken Stenner.

"Ms Gillard also confirmed that a Labor government would limit award
provisions to 10 employment related matters. This is the first time Labor has
countenanced such a move and it is a historic and positive departure from its
previous policy positions," he said.

Andersen said Gillard was also briefed about the printing industry, its
important role in the Australian economy, labour shortages and the challenge of
attracting young people. She was presented with industry information including Printing
Industries' DVD "Imagine: A World Without Print"

According to Printing Industries
Julia Gillard has also undertaken to provide written responses to an extensive
range of questions raised by the association on behalf of its members.

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter