HELPING BRISBANE WOMEN GET A BETTER DEAL AT WORK

Brisbane Women can learn how to get a better deal at work at free workplace negotiation skills seminars next week.

Minister for Women Margaret Keech urged Brisbane women to take advantage of the opportunity to get hands-on training in negotiation skills through this workshop.

“We want women to learn the skills and gain the confidence they need to help them get what they want in the workplace,” said Mrs Keech

“Whether it’s about negotiating higher pay, improved working conditions or achieving a better balance between work and personal obligations – the Office for Women’s workplace negotiation skills workshops will provide invaluable assistance to many Brisbane women.

“Negotiation skills are more important than ever under the new WorkChoices legislation.

“If women are asked to sign an Australian Workplace Agreement (AWA) with their employer, they need to know how to bargain for their pay and conditions.

“Unfortunately, AWAs under WorkChoices have removed more conditions than pre-WorkChoices AWAs, with overtime and penalty rates proving to be the conditions most commonly removed.

“More than three out of five AWAs abolish penalty rates, and more than four out of five reduce or remove overtime pay – and this is just unacceptable.”

Despite a tight labour market, average weekly earnings for full-time adults fell 1.1% in real terms between March and August 2006. Women make up the majority of workers, many in casual positions, in the retail and hospitality industries, and these appear to be the most affected.

“Women need to take control of their work situation by building effective communication and bargaining skills that can be used when negotiating their own workplace agreements,” Mrs Keech said.

“There are many studies which show that most men and women have widely different negotiating styles and women often lose out when it comes to bargaining for their terms and conditions.

“Women will find these to be extremely useful workshops, not only in workplace situations, but throughout the rest of their lives.”

The upcoming workshops are the latest in a series across the state, run in partnership with the Queensland Working Women’s Service Inc.

Brisbane women can choose from two workshops on 26 June 2007 from 12.30—4.00 pm or 5.00—8.30 pm at the Hotel Conrad. Visit www.women.qld.gov.au/seminars or phone 1800 177 577 to book a spot.

Media contacts: Jo Gibbons 3225 1005 / 0439 761 416