Labor's IR Compromise?

The mining industry has hinted at a compromise regarding their objections to Labor's recently introduced IR policy ...

There are signs the mining industry and the Labor Party could find some common ground in the stand-off over industrial relations.

Opposition workplace relations spokeswoman Julia Gillard insists Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs) will be scrapped if Labor wins office but the Mines and Metals Association (MMA) says it is important to keep AWAs because of the flexibility they offer.

MMA chief executive Steve Knott says the association would be prepared to accept a return to the 'no disadvantage test' if Labor agreed to keep AWAs.

The miners elaborated their position on the ABC's PM program tonight ...

STEVE KNOTT: We've said all along that if [Labor] had something that gave us similar benefits to what we've got now, we'd look at it. Even if they returned to the old no-disadvantage test that was in place 12 months ago, which was a global test based on a comparison with the award, we'd be comfortable with that.

But of course the people in the mining industry are way, way, way over and above the award rates. So the old no-disadvantage test that was in place pre-WorkChoices wouldn't bother the resources sector one iota.

Being a pragmatist, I don't think this an unreasonable ask. Defusing this issue would make Labor's journey to government a lot easier. With the mining lobby on side, they could concentrate on the much easier task of pointing out the real inequities of Work Choices.