Statewide code aims to protect workers

A VICTORIAN Fair Jobs Code was launched by the State Government in Ballarat last week.

The new policy was announced by Minister for Industry Support and Recovery, Ben Carroll, on site at Alstom and is designed to make sure that businesses that receive State grants or contracts keep their workplaces safe, inclusive and secure for workers.

It will apply to businesses seeking for goods, services, and construction tenders over $3 million, subcontractors going for projects worth over $10 million, and those applying for grants of more than $500,000.

“The Fair Jobs Code will encourage businesses to provide job security and establish safe workplaces for Victorian workers, creating better jobs and boosting economic activity across the state,” Mr Carroll said.

Unions Ballarat secretary Brett Edgington said the code sends a message that treating workers well and keeping them safe should always be the bare minimum.

“Every Victorian would have no lesser expectation of its State Government than as the largest provider of goods and services here in the state to set the gold-mark standard of working conditions,” he said.

“It’s really important to send that message that if you want to tender for State Government services, products and goods that you take the safety of your workers… and paying conditions into account.

“Many companies here in Victoria either meet that or excel that in their conditions.”

Alstom Ballarat has been tasked with building 25 new high-capacity trains for the State, and this project is expected to create about 150 local jobs.

The manufacturing facility’s environment health and safety coordinator Leigh Searle said the new Fair Jobs Code is a sign of a commitment to employees.

“I’ve been at the Ballarat site for six months, and grateful to work in my hometown,” he said.

“It means a lot that Alstom and the Victorian Government have this partnership and support the local community.

“This workshop’s been here for 100 years, it’s good to be here for the refurb, and to get lots of people back in here. We’ll be here for a long time to come.”

The Code will come into effect in December and was a 2018 election commitment.

Businesses can apply for a Fair Jobs Code pre-assessment certificate before December.