According to National Industrial Advisor, Paul Ryan, the Australian Road Transport Industrial Organisation (ARTIO) has congratulated the Minister for Tertiary Education, Jobs, Skills and Workplace Relations, Senator Chris Evans on his appointment.
ARTIO has a long history of strong support for the judicial and legislative framework which governs Australia’s industrial relations system as well as industry superannuation funds.
“By openly expressing strong support for existing institutional frameworks that govern workplace relations, ARTIO and its member Branches want to assure Minister Evans that they are willing to develop positive and productive workplace relations outcomes with him and his Department,” Mr Ryan said.
He expects that ARTIO will meet with the new Minister in the near future to discuss transport related IR issues still requiring resolution from the previous Rudd-Gillard government.
“There is a need to consider ‘where to from here’ for the report of the ‘Safe Rates Advisory Group’ established by Julia Gillard when she was Workplace Relations Minister.”
“ARTIO would also like to engage the Government on improving ‘Forward with Fairness’ policies through the National Employment Standards and the new modern award system as well as related issues surrounding workplace bargaining and unfair terminations, particularly as they impact the road transport industry.”
Mr Ryan said there is also a need to educate operators on these new systems, especially the detail contained in the new modern transport awards so that employers in the industry are fully aware of their obligations.
He added, “ARTIO is well positioned to contribute constructively to shaping the policy and regulatory framework affecting road transport operators in the workplace relations area. ARTIO can also play a role in facilitating improved understanding of and compliance with workplace relations laws.”