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Some thoughts on the sick-pay for casuals:
A payment for missing work will be welcome for many, however small and difficult to obtain it will be. But I don't think this is a real step forward for casual workers who are struggling for better conditions 1/ https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/victoria-take-first-big-step-tackle-insecure-work
A payment for missing work will be welcome for many, however small and difficult to obtain it will be. But I don't think this is a real step forward for casual workers who are struggling for better conditions 1/ https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/victoria-take-first-big-step-tackle-insecure-work
Corona revealed how having such precariously employed workers puts the economy at risk due to corona breaches and having workers so close to the edge that any small bump threatens their livelihoods, not to mention the downstream effects on the rest of the economy 2/
In this sense, Andrews stepping is to act as the head of the Victorian capitalist cartel, and taking action to modulate the worst excesses of casualization so that the economy can remain functional. The measures are the least required to avoid things like hotel covid breaches 3/
Being in competition, these employers will not improve casual conditions unilaterally, which would put them at a disadvantage. And so labor/casual conditions just get worse and worse. They need their allies to sort it out for them - Andrews and Labor 4/
If this was a victory from struggle of casuals it would open up new horizons for worker gains, but as it is it is a small and limited sober government payment which will have to be applied for by people who cant afford to miss a single day of work 5/
I think the objection from the opposition and business councils is largely ceremonial at this point. They ought to welcome such a limited measure which would reduce the exposure of economy to corona etc but without empowering casuals to demand more due to it coming from above 6/
It is disappointing that unions continue to view casuals as a side issue to placate with minimal effort rather than as a whole category of worker that is ripe for activation if only unions would re-orient themselves adequately.
