The Minerals Council of Australia is about to saturate television and radio stations with advertisements dismissing the Federals Government’s planned wage laws, calling them “dishonest” and an attempt to ensure union power over pay.

The unions, on the other hand, are arguing Australia’s biggest industries have been using labor hire companies to pay workers less through loopholes for more than a decade.

The Albanese Government will soon table what Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke deems the “same work, same pay” laws in an attempt to guarantee workplace agreements are equitable.

MCA CEO Tania Constable told Gary Adshead on 6PR Mornings the industry body is arguing the law changes would mean workers with much more experience would be forced to be paid the same as someone with little experience.

Press PLAY to hear the full interview with Tania Constable

“It’s more than just a big business issue, it will affect small businesses and it will extend beyond what was originally supposed to be some limited circumstances,” Ms Constable said.

But union representatives say business interests are deliberately trying to confuse the matter, since it would require them to pay workers more on average.

Mining and Energy Union General Secretary Grahame Kelly told Gary Adshead the laws would stop a loophole that has become rife in the mining industry, among others.

“It simply allows them to pay people less if employed by a third party,” Mr Kelly said.

Press PLAY to hear more from unions on why the laws are important