Workers meet against Job Network decision

Unemployed job placement workers and their supporters will meet around the nation today at protest meetings against the Federal Government's Job Network decision.

The Federal Government has announced a review of Job Network contracts, stripping many not-for-profit welfare agencies of important employment service contracts and forcing up to 5,000 staff out of work.

The Australian Services Union, representing thousands of workers in the not-for-profit sector, said protesters would today call on the Federal Government safeguard the jobs of former Job Network staff.

ASU Assistant National Secretary Linda White said workers would be asking the Government to sign-on to three principles that would help soften the blow.

The Federal Government direct the new service providers employ former Job Network staff as a first preference. Full worker entitlements be guaranteed by the Federal Government where employers are unable to pay out entitlements.

The Federal Government ensure protection of worker entitlements for future job placement services. ASU NSW-ACT State Secretary, Sally McManus said the Federal Government must act to alleviate serious anxiety its decision has created among Job Network staff.

"Many Job Network staff and their families still face an uncertain future. The onus is now on the Federal Government to help these job placement workers find secure employment," Ms McManus said.

ASU SA + NT Branch Office 5-9 Rundle Street, Kent Town

Other locations around Australia listed here.