The association says it has been involved with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in the development of submissions to the Government and at present the Senate Committee to try to stave off provisions which if they become law could:

• Lead to increased costs to employers, reduce workplace flexibility and reduce labour productivity

• Increase union power and influence in workplace bargaining and grant unions greater access to employee records and confidential information;

• Interfere with the prerogative of management to make changes to staffing arrangements including restrictive provisions on retrenchments

• Re-introduce the ability to take unfair dismissal actions against small businesses and develop a new process of uncertain practical application for deciding claims.

Printing Industries adds it has been actively involved with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to develop persuasive submissions to the Senate Committee to highlight concerns with aspects of the Bill and suggest amendments which would be less detrimental to business and the economy.

While the closing date for submissions to the Senate Committee is January 9, 2009, there will be opportunities for employers and the public to make verbal submissions in the capital cities commencing in Brisbane on 27 January, according to the association.

However, printing Industries concludes that many of the provisions of the Bill are based on policy decisions of the government which may be difficult to have varied despite any potential detriment to employers and their businesses.

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