Report shows low-paid workers benefit from workplace agreements

11/10/95

Workplace agreements are resulting in higher pay for low-paid workers and the majority are better off, according to a report comparing workplaces which have workplace agreements with those that have none.

Labour Relations Minister Graham Kierath said today the Western Australian Labour Market Research Centre survey of more than 500 workplaces debunked claims that workers' conditions had been eroded by workplace agreements.

"One of the most encouraging findings of the report was that workplace agreements are being used to improve the efficiency of the training processes for workers," Mr Kierath said.

"While I have reservations about the size of the sample surveyed, I believe the large number of workers opting for workplace agreements speak for themselves and certainly back the general thrust of the report's findings."

Mr Kierath said that to the end of September 1995, 32,775 workers had chosen to become involved in workplace agreements with 1,133 employers.

Among the main findings of the report were:

+          companies with workplace agreements generally reported better economic outcomes, mainly due to changes in work and management practices;

+          a slight decline in employment levels, particularly with casual workers, at places with workplace agreements. However, this was likely to be offset by improved efficiencies laying the grounds for future employment growth;

+          there was no clear evidence that workplace agreements had led to a decline in union power or involvement in workplaces; and -

+          workplace agreements were being used to produce a high rate of change designed to increase training or skill acquisition among workers.

"Workplace agreements were introduced by the Government to give workers and management freedom of choice to improve conditions and boost productivity," Mr Kierath said.

"The Government's aim has been achieved and with workers and employers opting for the system in ever-increasing numbers, Western Australia will become the State with the best work practices in the nation."

Media contact: Caroline Lacy 481 2133 or 222 9595