Long-time online hearings proponent Commissioner Leigh Johns says the FWC will survey self-represented applicants and respondents to obtain the views of "outsiders" on the way forward for digital proceedings, after "insiders" appeared to hanker for the "good old days".
The NFF says the Federal Government should use its existing powers to routinely and rapidly refer all potential waterfront disputes to arbitration so that importers and exporters are no longer "held to ransom as a bargaining chip" between maritime workers and infrastructure owners.
A Productivity Commission inquiry will explore whether to permit "informal carers" to take extended unpaid leave to support elderly friends and relatives, while submissions are due in April on a study of what might happen if priority is given to direct employment of aged care workers.
The insights gained from the rapid shift to working from home during COVID-19 could lead to the adoption of a "genuine consultation" requirement under the Fair Work Act's "right to request" flexibility that might start "a conversation aimed at reaching a mutually suitable arrangement", according to a new paper by two leading IR academics.
In what represents a significant development in corporate transparency, major accounting firms KPMG and PwC are disclosing bad workplace behaviours in reports taking inspiration from the World Economic Forum's "stakeholder capitalism" principles.
As Telstra continues to bring call centre jobs back onshore and responds to changing needs during the pandemic, it says a new flexible work policy will support "location agnostic" and "hybrid" practices that open up flexibility options for all employees.
Leading IR lawyer Steven Amendola says a response is needed to last week's call by a full Federal Court for a better system to handle litigants with "serious mental health problems".
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has promised to act on a report that found the protections for State ministerial staff against bullying and harassment are "unclear, ineffective and inadequate".
US President Joe Biden has signed executive orders to establish a White House taskforce to promote "worker organising and empowerment" and to lift the minimum wage to $US15 an hour ($A19.23) for Federal Government employees and contractors.
