The biggest ever national survey of workers has recently been completed by unions.

The biggest ever national survey of workers has recently been completed by unions.

An early analysis of 1000 responses has found the majority of Australians want greater job security and are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, while improvements to technology have resulted in them performing more unpaid work outside of hours.

More than 41,000 Australian workers aged from 15 to 65, from all industries, participated in the Working Australia Census, undertaken from May to July 2011. Their answers will help shape future workplace campaigns.

ACTU President Ged Kearney said the response to the Working Australia Census 2011 had been overwhelming, with workers clearly wanting a say in their future.

“An early analysis of Census data has confirmed what unions believed about the cost of living placing increasing stress on workers and their families, while the work-life balance has become more and more difficult to manage,” Ms Kearney said.

“Australians are working longer and harder but life is not getting easier.

“The ACTU conducted this survey because we want to ensure workers have a voice.

“The results of the Census will help shape our future campaigns and ensure that we are working to give Australians the better life they want and deserve.

“The Census results will be used to inform future ACTU policy and campaigns as well as provide insights into the working lives of working Australians and the issues that are important to them.

“We want to thank everyone who took the time to fill in the Census, because these are the people the ACTU represents and it is so important that their views are reflected in all of our campaigns.”

The ACTU is now analysing the data from the Working Australia Census. Results will be released in coming weeks.

Ms Kearney said workers had a right to share in the benefits of a strong economy which was being reaped by employers at their expense.

“All workers deserve a share of our economy and must at least be able to afford to pay for the basics,” Ms Kearney said.

“They also deserve job security and unions believe this is a basic right, yet official data shows that 40 per cent of workers are on casual and contract employment.

“Many of these workers don’t know what they will be earning from week to week and they want secure employment that meets the rising cost of their basic needs.

“Australian businesses are recording record profits, so it is simply not fair that so many people are in casual and contract work – many of whom want the security of permanent work.

“This is why job security will be a major campaign focus for the ACTU in the next few years. We are committed to work hard to support Australian workers so that they can provide a better future for them and their families.”