Bridget commented on Bryce's question: “Young workers have no concept of the marketplace and maybe an induction session at high school, introducing them to their rights in the workplace would be a good place to start. The point is, all workers are disposable and whilst ever employers can make money 'ripping people off' they will. Young workers who are being exploited can go to the Press about it, starting at their local 'rag'. But, ultimately, many are exploited because they are naive and because they work for lower wages than adults. That is the reason why they are hired...”
Bridget commented on Ayeesha's question: “Women primarily look after children and children are time consuming and dependent. Because of this it is very difficult for women to work full-time unless they have the support of Grandparents or other extended family members, or are being paid enough to afford childcare. Not many women are this privledged, and there are of course those women who choose to be the primary caretakers of their own children, and there is nothing wrong with this. The current political play however, only acknowledges women as ‘economic players’, and in the...”
Bridget commented on Ayeesha's question: “Get to the crux of the matter and you will find that there are very few part-time positions(look in careerone.com), full-time positions for some professionals and a lot of casual positions for qualified and other workers. The fact is we are no longer in an 'industrial age' and we can not rely upon manufacturing and mining to employ most of our citizens. We are in a 'technological and service' age, and this means that technology replaces many workers. It also means that many service orientated jobs are those that are done for 'free' because...”
Bridget commented on Ian's question: “The reason they are employing overseas workers is because they can pay them less. I know many people who have lost their jobs to migrants who are now being paid less than they did. Employers have too much 'power'! Although many jobs do not require a high intellect or great skills, employers do not want to train people, even if it may take as little as 2 weeks! Employers want someone who can step into the role with absolutely no supervision, to do the job that has been neglected for some time, and then sack them when the job is completed...”
Bridget commented on Ian's question: “We are not an underskilled nation, that is only poliltical rhetoric! There are many people with qualifications, skills, knowledge and wisdom that just can't get any decent work, and are often replaced by lower paid migrants. That is the truth of behind the rhetoric, as it is much cheaper for employers to employ a migrant than it is to hire an Australian. And, where do you think these redundant workers end up? On welfare of course, to top up their meagre wages. Let's get with the times and stop believing lies and be more creative with our...”
Bridget commented on Ayeesha's question: “Traditionally women have looked after children, the sick, the elderly, mentally ill, and disenfranchised and they did it under the banner of the Church, or under the support of a well-paying husband. Those days are gone, and now they do it mainly for 'free' under the banner of volunteerism. Currently, the Government saves $16.1 billion/year just on women volunteering, and many are qualified and experienced. Not only that, it costs the volunteer money to volunteer. A volunteer needs money for transport, National Police Clearances, training etc...”