The CFMEU and other trade unions are calling on senate crossbenchers to stand up for working people and reject the federal government’s IR Omnibus Bill.

The bill aims to create a path for employers to cut pay due to the impact of COVID-19 on their business, removes backpay claims for misclassified casuals and proposes new flexibility for part-time workers to pick up shifts without overtime rates.

In response, the national divisions of the ETU and CFMEU launched a campaign which encourages the public and union members to tell the senate to vote against the bill, saying it will leave workers worse off with less pay and worse conditions if passed.

The proposed laws include taking away the protection of the Better Off Overall Test and removing the ability of many FIFO and construction workers to negotiate a collective agreement for up to eight years.

“Australian workers did their part to keep the economy strong through the COVID-19 crisis and it is shameful that Scott Morrison wants to reward them by cutting their pay and conditions,” ETU national secretary Allen Hicks says.

“The pandemic has shone a spotlight on just how precarious employment can be for too many people in this country. We have also seen that essential workers include not only nurses, aged care workers, paramedics and health professionals, but also the workers in the retail, transport and logistics, maritime and construction industries that keep the economy moving and supplies flowing when times are tough.”

CFMEU national construction secretary Dave Noonan says the proposed laws will hit workers hard when many are trying to get back on their feet financially after the pandemic: “The crossbench Senators have the power to stop the IR Omnibus Bill before it hits workers. They need to stand up and let working people know whose side they are on.”