The FWC says the first application to vary an enterprise agreement in response to the coronavirus will be heard by a full bench to determine whether the "exceptional circumstance" provisions apply.
Employers have told the annual wage review panel that if the coronavirus pandemic worsens, it might have to consider measures similar to the 10% depression-era reduction in award rates or the GFC minimum wage pause.
The FWC has expedited the hearing of the restaurant industry's bid to vary its award to boost hours and leave flexibility as it shifts to a COVID-19 business model based on takeaways and home delivery.
The Morrison Government has today committed to a "job keeper" wage subsidy scheme that will provide a flat $1500 a fortnight for workers with employers that have suffered a downturn of at least 30% to 50% due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Restaurant employers have applied to the FWC to vary the industry award to provide more flexibility to deal with the coronavirus virus, following on from similar cases involving clerical and hotels awards.
The FWC has approved a protected action ballot at a major personal protection equipment company declared an "essential business" in the battle against coronavirus, after the employer withdrew multiple objections.
The ACTU has welcomed the Morrison Government's apparent shift towards wage subsidies to assist those thrown out of work by the coronavirus crisis, while Canberra has received a further extension for its minimum wage case submission.
An FWC full bench has today granted a coronavirus-driven variation to the clerks' award that provides more flexibility to work at home, take leave and reduce hours.
Unions and the ALP today secured support from a key business group as they continue to pressure the Morrison Government into paying UK-style wage subsidies to coronavirus-affected workers, against a background of tripartite cooperation not seen for 25 years.
