Payman backs four-day week push, urges consideration of WA's unique workforce
Western Australia's only independent Senator, Fatima Payman, has welcomed the ACTU's push for a four-day working week as a major step forward for Australian workers, while urging that WA's unique workforce needs are not overlooked.
"Unions have always been at the forefront of securing better pay, safer conditions, and a fairer balance between work and life," Senator Payman said.
"The four-day week proposal is another example of that vision, and I commend the ACTU for putting it on the national agenda," she said.
"But here in WA, we have tens of thousands of FIFO workers who operate on very different schedules and conditions."
"The question is: would this reform apply to them? And if not, what's the alternative that ensures they aren't left behind?"
Senator Payman said national workplace reforms should reflect the diversity of Australia's workforce.
"A fair go means recognising the unique realities of work in every state and industry," the Senator said.
"WA's workforce has its own challenges, and any reform should take that into account."
Meanwhile, Senator Payman will host her own WA Small and Family Business Economic Roundtable on Friday to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing this vital sector, with the aim of providing practical guidance to the Federal Government.
Senator Payman is
