Member

Critics may argue that these amendments would weaken worker protections, but the protection of rights must be balanced with responsibility for conduct. The right to take industrial action does not extend to the right to intimidate, harass or engage in destructive behaviour. Such conduct ultimately weakens the legitimacy of industrial action and undermines public support for legitimate grievances. These amendments respond to a genuine crisis where the balance has shifted so far towards protecting industrial action that legitimate business operations and public services are under constant threat. We have created a system where employers face legal jeopardy for reasonable operational decisions, where public safety can be compromised without legal recourse, and where undemocratic minorities can hold entire sectors hostage. I beg to move.