22nd Mar 2012, 1:29 PM – Representatives Fair Work Amendment (Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industry) Bill 2012 - Consideration in Detail - No worker be worse off + delay bill

The majority voted against amendments introduced by Liberal MP Sussan Ley. This means that the amendments were unsuccessful.

Ms Ley explained that the first amendment ensures that no worker be worse off, which she said addresses the concerns of many outworkers that this bill will be detrimental towards them. The second amendment concerned delaying the commencement of the bill to allow for the completion of the review into the Fair Work Act.(Read the amendments and Ms Ley's full explanation here. )

One member, Nationals MP Tony Crook, rebelled and crossed the floor to vote 'no' with the Government.(Read more about what it means to cross the floor in our FAQ section. )

Background to the bill

The bill was introduced to address the poor working conditions facing vulnerable workers in the textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry.(More information about this bill and the context surrounding it can be found here. The text of the bill as passed by both houses can be found here.) Controversially, it extends most of the provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 to outworkers by deeming them to be employees. It also extends specific right of entry rules to sweatshop premises. This allows a permit holder (such as a union official) to enter such premises without giving 24 hours notice under certain circumstances.

References