AS HIGH as a third of Mount Isa’s government jobs could be labeled ‘temporary’, according to a union representative.
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The Together union’s secretary Alex Scott said these ‘temporary’ jobs were filled by long term employees and were paid the same.
Some of these people had been in their roles up to 15 years.
Employers could give ‘temporary’ workers shorter notice before declaring their position redundant.
“(They) could lose their jobs at a minute’s notice.
“So those people are greater at risk by the nature of their employment.”
The ‘minute’ was figuratively spoken to mean “two weeks notice”.
Another disadvantage was the difficulty for these employees to gain bank loans.
Banks considered the ‘temporary’ position held by the applicant, he said.
Mr Scott met with school, hospital and government department representatives during a visit to Mount Isa on Wednesday.
State Member Rob Katter attended at least one of these meetings held in the hospital grounds.
The union is seeking an additional change to the Industrial Relations Bill expected to be debated in state parliament in November.
It therefore seeks the support of crossbenchers such as Mr Katter and Member for Dalrymple, Shane Knuth.
This amendment would be in allowing the Industrial Relations Commission the power to determine whether an employee should be classified as permanent or temporary.
Mr Scott said the KAP MPs Mr Katter and Mr Knuth had not confirmed their position on how they would vote on the Industrial Relations Bill.
Mr Katter confirmed he had not decided on the bill and that he met with Together Queensland members and the secretary on Wednesday, to listen to their concerns.
He said it was “concerning” to hear of the issue about the numbers of temporary workers.
“We are yet to reach a firm position on the Industrial Relations Bill but will continue to consult with key stakeholders about the implications,” Mr Katter said.
“It is very concerning to hear about the issue of temporary workers and we have committed to keeping an open dialogue with both sides during this process.”