NSW trade unions have vowed to continue campaigning against draconian new laws that slash the rights and entitlements of sick and injured workers. There has been an 11th hour amendment in which injured workers will no longer be able to claim their legal costs in WorkCover disputes even if they win.
The state government’s workers compensation cuts were passed by the NSW Parliament last week, with only minor amendments that fail to address the concerns of working people across the state.
“The O’Farrell government is plunging the state into industrial chaos. Until they end this war on working people further industrial action cannot be ruled out.”
Mr Lennon, said the government’s legislation was the catalyst for the firefighters’ action last week – the first such strike in 56 years. Their action has seen the government exclude them from the legislation (see below).
“Firefighters run into burning buildings when everyone else is running out. As a community we need to extend the best possible support to heroic frontline workers who put their life on the line every single day.
“Our campaign now intensifies – politically and industrially.”
The Premier’s claim that his attack on workers compensation is not retrospective shows that he does not understand the law he is introducing, Mr Lennon said.
The proposed act states very clearly at Schedule 12, clause 3: Except as provided by this part of the regulation, amendment made by the 2012 amending act extends to an injury received before the commencement of the amendment.
“This is cruel, retrospective legislation that pulls the rug from under sick and injured workers. We know of specific cases where grieving widows who were set to seek compensation for nervous shock will now be denied the right to even make a claim.”
shortlink: http://aworkcovervictimsdiary.com/?p=10357
Anyone considered that a government which uses retrospective legislation is actually a business risk? What they have done with these changes is a ‘breach of faith’ and there is no indication that they will not try retrospectivity with other amendments to laws. Last year they tried to retrospectively abolish the solar buy back scheme in NSW, but because they were warned about the consequences of this, they backed off. Why would any corporation trust this government now? Barry has stated that he wants to use the superannuation of public servants to invest in infrastructure in NSW, I advise every public servant in this state to write to the trustees of State Super and insist that they do not risk their money with this government because they have a track record of enacting retrospective laws and your super could most definitely be at risk. Please spread the word about this as it is very very concerning.