The AWU has abandoned a long history of going it alone in Queensland, re-affiliating with the State's peak union body, while the Mining and Energy Union has also returned to the fold after a shorter absence.
Legislation introduced today by Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke provides two "pathways" for the CFMEU's manufacturing division to demerge from the broader union.
The Albanese Government will introduce laws to allow the CFMEU's manufacturing division to demerge if members vote for it, with the ACTU claiming "Mr Setka's personal grudges" have led to an exit push that "cannot be resolved any other way".
An ETU bid for a majority support determination covering team leaders at a major power station has fallen at the first hurdle, with the union failing to establish that they are "electricians" or in a role peculiar to the electrical industry.
The principal contractor on Australia's largest energy transmission project has been cleared to continue its pursuit of orders blocking the ETU's expansion into the renewable energy sector, as the union engages in alleged "guerrilla" tactics of disruption and delay.
ACCI has shot down union proposals that would require employers to provide delegates with iPads, phones, boosted recruitment rights and paid time off for political lobbying, accusing them of trying to use a new model awards term to outsource their own work.
A FWC full bench led by President Adam Hatcher has granted the SDA coverage in a deal capturing six Subway stores after the union successfully challenged approval of an agreement replacing a 17-year-old deal due to be automatically axed in December.
The Mining and Energy Union is registered as a stand-alone entity from today, formalising its withdrawal from the Construction Forestry Maritime Mining and Energy Union.
The CFMMEU's mining and energy division has asked the Federal Court to establish a new standalone union from December 1, after 98% of members supported its separation from the wider union in a ballot that closed in June.
The meatworkers union has confirmed it is in tentative talks with the AMWU about a potential merger to boost member representation and provide "a larger voice".
