SYDNEY, August 8, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The Cardinal Archbishop of Sydney, George Pell and his Anglican counterpart, Archbishop Peter Jensen, criticized proposed industrial relations changes that, they said, would erode minimum wages, cut weekend family time and restrict the collective bargaining powers of unions. In comments to The Age newspaper, the two Christian leaders warned that changes could undermine vulnerable workers’ ability to secure a stable financial and family life.
The Government plans to introduce a single national industrial relations system, change the way minimum wages are set and scrap unfair dismissal laws for some businesses.
“It seems at this point that the proposals shift the deferential of power in favour of employers who can have a propensity to mistreat workers in the interests of the business,” Dr Jensen told the paper.
Cardinal Pell had voiced his concern over protections for “civilizing” factors in the workplace such as paid breaks annual leave, long-service leave, superannuation, union access and the maintenance of quality family time.
“I think people need breaks and leave and holidays and appropriate rosters to be productive in their work and lead human lives,” Cardinal Pell said.
The government, however, stung by the vocal opposition from church leaders who have previously been closely aligned with Howard’s government on other issues, has lashed out. In comments to the Sydney Morning Herald, Prime Minister Howard, dismissed the remarks saying that they do not represent a unified opinion among Catholics and Anglicans. Pell’s and Jensen’s remarks were part of a chorus of opposition by religious leaders and Labour members against the proposed changes.
“I believe that there’ll be a range of views inside the ranks of practising Catholics on this issue, and Anglicans, as there are on every other issue,” he told ABC television.
“There’s no such thing as a Catholic or an Anglican view on anything,” he said. “It depends on individuals.”
Read coverage from the Age:
https://theage.com.au/articles/2005/08/05/1123125906333.html
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