WorkChoices

WorkChoices was a controversial Australian industrial relations reform introduced in 2005 by the Howard government. It aimed to simplify workplace laws, allowing employers and employees more flexibility in negotiating wages and conditions through individual contracts. However, critics argued it weakened workers' rights, reducing union influence and job security. The reforms led to significant public backlash and were seen as favoring employers over employees. In 2007, the Labour government repealed WorkChoices, restoring some protections for workers and emphasizing collective bargaining instead. The debate around WorkChoices highlighted the tension between flexibility in the workplace and workers' rights.