August 12, 2020
The fig
ht against COVID-19 is one we are all in together.
The impacts of the pandemic are still emerging, and we are all trying to imagine what our country will look like in the future.
We have seen the immediate impact on jobs and industries, and know already that some sections of our community will be hit harder than others.
Young people, women, casual and precarious workers, and our essential and frontline services are bearing the brunt of this terrible pandemic, and unless we act decisively, we risk generational social and economic harm.
The ACTU, with economist Dr Jim Stanford and the Center for Future Work have developed a National Economic Reconstruction Plan, with 5 concrete ideas to get started.
History tells us that left to its own devices – the economy is poised for years of depression post-COVID.
We cannot and must not accept a jobless recovery or a recovery that leaves the next generation with a social deficit from which they will never recover.
For the most part – this pandemic has bought out the best in our country – our incredible health system, our strong workplace health and safety regulations, our highly skilled public sector and the Australian people’s belief that our Governments should stand up and make big decisions for the benefit of the people they serve.
The Australian people know that the next steps – national economic reconstruction – can only be led and delivered by Government.
Australian Governments have stepped up and done this national building recovery before, and we can do it again.
Australian Unions offer this plan with optimism, hope, and determination. We look forward to continuing to work with Governments and the Australian public to rebuild a stronger and fairer Australia. We are committed to making sure that working people’s voices are always heard.
Download the jobs plan here: AUSTRALIAN UNIONS – A NATIONAL JOBS PLAN