Page 2524 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 23 August 2006
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There are social dimensions to IR reform which will change the relationship between the sphere of work, private households and the community. Fragmenting working time erodes the common time for families, friends and community activities so it also fractures social relationships.
The quality of family life, parenting, relationships and health—already under strain because of the well known “work-life collision”—will deteriorate further for those where the quality of jobs and earnings is affected. The emergence of social exclusion, disconnected areas and welfare dependency (including employers) will also grow over time.
Those words are very true and are also causing added stress to workers, causing higher stress-related illnesses. I know myself that there have been times that I have been stressed at the thought of not being able to provide for my children without accepting working conditions that were far less than optimal. I have always been outspoken enough, though, to stand up for my rights and for what I and other workers are entitled to. I have always been a member of my union and that has given me the protection of my rights at work. With the help of union officials if there were to be any disagreements, I was confident in the view that I would be well protected. Being alleviated of the stress of having to protect my working conditions on my own, I found there was more time to enjoy my workplace.
The Unions NSW report that I have previously mentioned also stated:
Most employees working longer hours describe giving up hobbies, sport and voluntary work because of lack of time, because they come home from work exhausted, or because they cannot predict when they will be available.
Voluntary work in social clubs, charities and organisations like the army reserves is also constrained for those working long hours and their partners, many of whom describe a “closing in” of their social circle and community: a work/eat/sleep cycle which constrains their days and leaves their personal community impoverished.
Yet again we see a strong connection between workers’ health and the WorkChoices legislation. The attack on the work/eat/sleep cycle can force dissatisfaction in the workplace and have the drastic effect of reducing the immune system of a worker. To be able to enjoy the workplace is a good thing as there is less chance of getting sick and needing to take time off to recuperate.
Within WorkChoices there is the new sick leave bonanza. According to WorkChoices, employees must now supply a doctors certificate for one sick day. I am not sure how many members of the opposition have tried to get an appointment at a doctor’s surgery recently, but it can be almost impossible to get an appointment for the day on which you are sick.
Many staff are now forced to attend the workplace even if they are unwell. This has forced sick employees to seek any means possible to obtain a medical certificate, just to keep their job. A report in the Illawarra Mercury has explained that, due to a glitch in the WorkChoices legislation, people can attend a range of medical practitioners to obtain a medical certificate. This glitch is thanks to Mr Howard and his friends on the hill for rushing through their unfair legislation.
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