Arrr! Australia be settin' sail with a law that grants gig workers the pow'r to haggle their fair share o' booty 'n conditions.
2023-08-31
Arr, ye scurvy dogs! Listen up! The blasted Labor government of Australia be makin' a law to let them gig workers haggle fer a fair wage and proper conditions. Tis a jolly good idea, if ye ask me! Aye, let the negotiations begin!
Australian gig workers will soon have the ability to negotiate for minimum pay and better working conditions, thanks to a new law set to be introduced by the Labor government. This law will specifically define "employee-like workers" in the gig economy, which encompasses individuals who deliver food or drive for apps like Uber or DoorDash. The industrial umpire in Australia will then be empowered to establish standards regarding pay, hours, and insurance for these workers. However, there will be some flexibility in these standards, allowing for variation between different workplaces. It is important to note that these laws will not enforce uniform pay or conditions.While critics argue that these rules may increase complexity and costs, Employment Minister Tony Burke believes that they are necessary to protect vulnerable workers. He claims that slightly higher prices are a reasonable trade-off for ensuring the safety and well-being of gig economy workers. Burke emphasizes the importance of regulating this sector, as it consists of some of the lowest-paid individuals in Australia.
The issue of classifying gig economy workers is a topic of debate worldwide. In June, EU countries reached an agreement on draft rules to determine whether platform employers should provide employee benefits. The response from employers in Australia has been mixed, with Uber expressing support for gig economy minimum standards that preserve flexibility. On the other hand, Australia's business lobby group argues that this legislation will negatively impact workers and consumers.
Some conditions, such as overtime rates and rosters, will remain outside the umpire's jurisdiction. If the "Closing Loopholes Bill" is passed, it will become effective on July 1, 2024.