The changes will also hinder the development and modernization of the industry and cause far-reaching problems for workers, families, communities and enterprises, says the union's submission to the senate, which calls for a full public inquiry process into the amendments.

The submission states that the removal of skills-based classification structures in awards is of particular concern to the IT industry.

"Award skill-based classification structures promote the recognition of professional work, particularly in new and emerging professions, such as the Information Technology Industry Professional Engineers and Professional Employees awards," it said.

These awards initially met strong opposition by employers who questioned the "professional nature" of IT. Removing these awards now would risk deprofessionalizing the IT workforce.

Executive officer of the Information Technology Professionals Association (ITPA), Greg Considine, said the changes will definitely make it harder for IT professionals to campaign for their already significantly eroded rights.