Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2014, published 104th ILC session (2015)

Workers' Representatives Convention, 1971 (No. 135) - Australia (Ratification: 1993)

The Committee notes the observations on the application of the Convention submitted by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) received on 1 September 2014 and in particular the allegation that the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2014 would restrict access to the workplace and limit the capacity of trade union representatives to effectively represent workers. It further notes the ACTU’s indication that the Building and Construction Industry (Fair and Lawful Building Sites) Code 2014 also curtails the capacity of unions to secure facilities through enterprise bargaining by prohibiting the inclusion of certain terms in agreements such as terms that provide for designated union meeting areas or provide unions with additional entry rights to those contained in the Fair Work Act. The Committee requests the Government to provide its comments thereon.