Shipping laws 'Work Choices' on water

Australian maritime workers will be forced out of jobs under government legislation scheduled for debate in the Senate on Monday, the opposition warns.

"Australian shippers, if they want to continue in business, will be forced to replace the Australian flag on the back of ships with the white flag," Labor transport spokesman Anthony Albanese told reporters in Canberra on Monday.

Mr Albanese called on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to withdraw the legislation which he described as "Work Choices on water".