http://gregmclean.blogspot.com.au/2013/07/australians-back-skills-and-education.html Australians
believe investing in skills and training is a better way to improve
productivity than greater management ‘flexibility’ in hiring practices, new
polling shows. ACTU Secretary
Dave Oliver said today’s Essential polling showed many Australians took the
common sense view that improving skills and training would deliver better
outcomes.
A majority of
voters (55% - including more investment in skills and education 32%, more input
from workers 15% and invest more in technology and innovation 8%) supported
measures that promoted investment and collaboration over cutting workplace
rights and conditions.
Fewer than a
quarter (23%) accept the view pushed by business that they need more flexible
labour laws in order to become more productive.
“Business is
relentlessly making the argument that they need greater control over employment
conditions is the top priority to improve productivity,” said Mr Oliver.“In reality,
boosting productivity is much more complex, involving investment in training,
infrastructure, innovation and better management.”
Meanwhile
two-thirds of voters (67%) believe Australian workers are very or quite
productive, the Essential poll found. “By focusing
on industrial laws, employers are suggesting that workers are the problem when
it comes to productivity,” said Mr Oliver. “It’s
reassuring to know the majority of Australians see through the employers’
cost-cutting agenda.”
Contact: Ben
Ruse 0409 510 879 or Eleni Hale 0418 793 885
