The Office of the Workplace Rights Advocate was launched recently by the Victorian government. It aims to help both employees and employers with questions about their rights under the federal government's WorkChoices. It will provide telephone and website advice about the new industrial relations system, and it will promote fair work practices. A survey recently conducted has shown that 70% of workers accepted their last job without any negotiation on terms or conditions. It also found that 52% of workers are not confident about negotiating an individual contract, and almost half would trade some conditions to keep their job. There were higher levels of concern among young workers and those from non-English speaking backgrounds. Most respondents also said they were unlikely to use a bargaining agent.

Phone enquiries to 1300 882 648.