Australian Prime Minister John Howard introduced legislation Monday to reduce the power of unions and give the government the power to break many strikes.
WorkChoices would give the minister for workplace relations the ability to end strikes that pose a threat to public safety or the economy, The Australian said. Employers would also have greater power to challenge strikes in court.
Howard argued that the changes would reduce unemployment and give the economy a boost.
"I can look the workforce of Australia in the eye tonight and say, 'Look at what has happened under my prime ministership over the last 9 1/2 years,'" he said.
Unions would have more difficulty organizing job actions, with regulations requiring that strike votes be run by the Australian Electoral Commission.
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