Work Choices is Boss vs Workers all over again

Work Choices proves that the Howard Government are still stuck emotionally and mentally in 1950’s, when there was the old war between the bosses and the workers. When one side won, the other lost. But the world of business in the 21st century is a different planet. But even old Henry Ford could teach John Howard a thing or two about industrial relations. Henry paid his factory workers 10% more than his competitor car makers in Detroit. He saw that his mass-manufactured cars would need a mass market of ordinary workers. And wages were too low to let workers buy his cars . So he forced his competitors to pay more by creating a competitive market for workers.

I believe in the free market for everything: products, services, and labour. I am a small businessperson and employer (a woolgrower) and I know how unfair the system used to feel as a employer. My previous business employed more than 50 people. We always paid top rates, and have done for 20 years. We looked after our employees. But a business cannot afford to pay too much for labour because you become uncompetitive and go broke.

But I am an Australian and I believe in a fair go for all. Employers deserve a fair go and employees deserve a fair go. I believe we need flexibility in employment conditions, but we don’t need to reduce the living standards of employees to sweatshop levels in order to compete. Henry Ford knew the wealth of everyone is important. After all, Australia is called a “Commonwealth”. All who put their shoulder to the wheel should share in the rewards.