Thread: help needed to save our manufacturing.

Time to return to the work place philosophy of people/employees are assetts and not disposable liabilities.

Originally Posted by trog

Time to return to the work place philosophy of people/employees are assetts and not disposable liabilities.

As long as people stop considering themselves as 'entitled' as well...


Its a 2 way street

Also skilled workers should get paid more than unskilled, but more than that being skilled doesn't just mean you know how to fit the same nut on the same bolt 1,000 / day, that just makes you an experienced process worker.

If employers, workers and unions could come to agreement on that sort of thing then Australian manufacturing may cost a little less.

I'm not saying that we abandon, workers compensation, leave, penalties for unsociable hours and superannuation, just that pay should be commensurate with the value of the product output.

Originally Posted by Tombie

As long as people stop considering themselves as 'entitled' as well...


Its a 2 way street

That would be wonderful but is it possible?

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Also skilled workers should get paid more than unskilled, but more than that being skilled doesn't just mean you know how to fit the same nut on the same bolt 1,000 / day, that just makes you an experienced process worker.

If employers, workers and unions could come to agreement on that sort of thing then Australian manufacturing may cost a little less.

I'm not saying that we abandon, workers compensation, leave, penalties for unsociable hours and superannuation, just that pay should be commensurate with the value of the product output.

That would be wonderful too, but a workers effort and skill are not the only determining factors in the individuals productivity. The burning question will always be; What is fair pay?
Australian Coastal Shipping has already been handed over to Flag of convenience Ships with third World crews on Third World wages and conditions. Who's next?
We should be trying our best to lift the rest of the world to our standards, not joining the escalating race to poverty and deprivation.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Also skilled workers should get paid more than unskilled, but more than that being skilled doesn't just mean you know how to fit the same nut on the same bolt 1,000 / day, that just makes you an experienced process worker.

If employers, workers and unions could come to agreement on that sort of thing then Australian manufacturing may cost a little less.

I'm not saying that we abandon, workers compensation, leave, penalties for unsociable hours and superannuation, just that pay should be commensurate with the value of the product output.

Agree on Compensation, leave etc... Penalties I believe need review...
After all, penalties were introduced when Sunday was still "the day of rest".
Nowadays we are a 24/7 society, and should review around that.


Skilled labour is a contentious issue... In the UK for example a tradesman gets paid for doing work, not for having a trade... They don't get a premium for being qualified... At least nothing like over here.

Also, skills recognised on paper with no upgrading (I have to keep certain certificates current) where as a "Fitter" will always be a Fitter even if he was trained 40 years ago...

Skilled should be a component of assessment - and regularly - like our operators - they are levelled based on capability.


A return to "honest pay for honest work" would do everyone good..

And the ridiculous fees of Engineering, Business and Medical professionals need to be brought back in line with reality.. But that is all together another story!

I work 4 weeks out of 7, 12 hour shifts. No Public holidays and no annual leave. That means extra Child care expenses, an impaired social life and health issues. Should I accept the same pay as a person with the same skill levels, who has weekends, Public holidays and annual leave?

Originally Posted by cuppabillytea

I work 4 weeks out of 7, 12 hour shifts. No Public holidays and no annual leave. That means extra Child care expenses, an impaired social life and health issues. Should I accept the same pay as a person with the same skill levels, who has weekends, Public holidays and annual leave?

I'm in a similar boat.

It's (ok this climate isn't the best for options) a choice!

My shifts are/were 12s running into 16-18s every day I work.
My wife does 12s on a different roster.. So they rarely align...

We do it by choice (and raised 2 kids).

Neither of us get PH. Or loading on back shifts or OT pay.


In the end, all these "entitlements" cost the country, business and us all - jobs.