The FWC has rejected a chicken processor's argument that it should extend notice of the AMWU's proposed 12-hour maintenance strikes from three to seven days to ensure it doesn't breach RSPCA animal welfare guidelines and legislated standards, but has criticised the union for the "commercial unreality" of its suggestions about the defensive measures the company might undertake.
In another test of public-private ventures, prison officers at the country's largest and newest correctional centre are considering striking after overwhelmingly rejecting what the CPSU called a "lowball" deal put forward by operator Serco Australia.
Major stevedore Patrick says it is facing costly delays at its Sydney and Fremantle container terminals as a result of continuing protected action by MUA members after a bargaining deadlock that it blames on the union failing to give ground on its recruitment veto.
In a novel use of the Corporations Act in an IR setting, logistics company DHL has secured an urgent interlocutory injunction to stop the UWU procuring alleged confidential information from about 60 shop stewards that might have given it a significant advantage in enterprise negotiations underway across the company's sites.
The CEPU's communication division has warned members that Telstra wants separate enterprise agreements covering new entities being created through a corporate restructure, arguing it is "critical" that existing pay and conditions are preserved.
The AMIEU is looking to kick-start negotiations for a new national agreement covering the Coles meat department through a petition showing that a majority of those workers want to bargain.
A recent FWC finding that BHP engaged in unfair bargaining practices, and subsequent tribunal-chaired negotiations, have led to Professionals Australia securing the first standalone enterprise deal for coal mining supervisors.
The TWU has warned major retailers like Aldi and Amazon that they will come under union pressure during an upcoming bargaining round with major trucking companies such as Toll, Linfox, StarTrack and FedEx.
The FSU is accusing the Commonwealth Bank of using "bribes" and threats to cram a non-union deal down workers' throats after staff voted it up despite strong opposition.
Highly-automated stevedore Victoria International Container Terminal won an interim anti-industrial-action order late last week that halted an escalating MUA campaign that included a 36-hour protected strike due to begin on Sunday morning.
