"Today's jump in the level of industrial disputes confirms what industry has been saying for some time; there are some big problems in the Fair Work Act that need to be addressed without delay,"

 

The Australian Industry Group has argued that the increase in industrial disputes reinforces the need for problems in the Fair Work Act to be addressed.

 

Chief Executive Innes Willox said the most important change needed is to more tightly define the matters that are allowed to be the subject of enterprise bargaining claims.

 

“Provisions which have no place in a modern workplace relations system need to once again be outlawed, such as restrictions on the engagement of contractors and labour hire.

 

"Most of the high profile bargaining disputes since the Fair Work Act was implemented have not revolved around wages but rather attempts by unions to impose restrictions on businesses. Not surprisingly employers have been resisting these union claims. Employers cannot afford to risk their competitiveness by capitulating to these union demands.

 

"The latest industrial dispute statistics are worrying. In the June Quarter 2012, there were 101,700 working days lost due to industrial disputes, up from 35,800 in the March Quarter 2012. This is the highest level of working days lost since the June Quarter in 2004.

 

"When the Government releases its response to the recent Fair Work Act Review, it is vital that it expresses support for the necessary changes and introduces amendments to address the problems in the Act. As well, the Opposition needs to take a hard look at the current industrial environment as it develops its own workplace relations policies," Mr Willox said.