Government’s industrial relation laws ‘difficult to interpret’ for businesses and workers

Sky News Business Editor Ross Greenwood says there is “little doubt” the government’s new industrial relations laws are “difficult to interpret” for many businesses and workers. Mr Greenwood said one of the most difficult aspects is “when is a person a worker for a company and when are they not.” “If you work for an agency, say, are you a worker entitled to superannuation and holiday pay ... or not? What if you use a website that lines the work up for you,” he said. “Last year, the Industrial Relations Minister Tony Burke clouded the issue by making a comparison of two companies: Airtasker and Mable. “Airtasker is a website that allows freelancers to bid for work - chores around the home, whatever, with people or companies that want something done. “Then there is Mable. It's a site that does something similar to Airtasker. It lines up work for people looking for disability or aged care support ... with local independent support workers “According to the minister, Mable had employees, Airtasker did not. But not for long. Just nine days later, when the legislation was released, it was determined any person who contracts for work using Airtasker is indeed an employee.” Mr Greenwood sat down with Airtasker Chief Executive Tim Fung to discuss the Industrial Relations reforms.