UnionsACT has today added its voice to calls that the Federal Government urgently establish a wages subsidy to protect jobs.
Thousands of Canberra workers and hundreds of thousands across Australia are facing mass unemployment due to stand-downs and job cuts.
These workers are now facing life below the poverty-line on Newstart, as well as mass delays in processing at Centrelink due to 6-years of Liberal Government cuts to DHS.
Countries including UK, Denmark, and NZ have all introduced a wages subsidy. The UK is guaranteeing 80% of a person’s wage to ensure jobs are protected.
The Federal Government must do the same immediately to avoid mass unemployment and Depression-era poverty.
The following quotes are attributable to Alex White, Secretary of UnionsACT:
“UnionsACT has been contacted by hundreds of Canberra workers who are fearful for their jobs and income security, or who have already been sacked or stood down without pay.
“With the confusion from Scott Morrison’s press conference last night worsening uncertainty for working people, now is the time for the Federal Government to urgently by introducing a wages guarantee.
“Workers who face unemployment will also face poverty levels of income and long delays on Newstart.
“The prime minister used to say that ‘the best form of welfare is a job’ but now he seems to think the best form of welfare is welfare.
“Evidence shows that it is vital to keep workers in jobs now to avoid a long and protracted economic recession.”
