A Fair Work Australia full bench late today approved the McDonald's Australia enterprise agreement, reversing a ruling by Commissioner Donna McKenna, who found it failed to meet pre-approval requirements and the no disadvantage test.
The Federal Court has today ordered three Queensland Rail entities to pay the maximum $33,000 penalty for 20 separate failures to consult unions about major change affecting up to 15,000 employees.
In another ruling likely to further fuel debate about consistency in agreement approval processes, FWA today refused to certify a deal that unilaterally removed all penalties, overtime and allowances and gave the five employees covered no opportunity to appoint a bargaining agent until they cast their vote.
FWA has agreed to vary bargaining orders it made against the Commonwealth Bank – after finding it acted in bad faith – to impose an obligation on the FSU to keep confidential any pay offers the bank makes during bargaining.
AMWU to launch test case on overtime phasing; Purvinas to challenge disqualification; Australia's net migration to drop by 20%, says DIAC; New FWA regulations on delegations; Calculator helps determine small business status; Abolish the ABCC, says ACTU; NSW to develop flexible work guidelines, audit pay equity; Macklin introduces consequential amendments to PPL bill; and Comparison schedule for 2B state awards.
Progress in Australia Post bargaining; Fight "instigator" loses job after 24 years; Dismissal complied with Code; HSU mega-branch given green light; Reprieve for Federal Magistrates Court; Calculator helps determine small business status; and Registrations open for Ride to Work Day 2010
Fair Work Australia has emphasised that it has no discretion when considering approving an enterprise agreement to waive compliance with mandatory pre-approval requirements such as giving representation rights notices to employees.
Skilled migration occupations cut from 400-plus to 181; Abbott vows not to return to the past on IR and promises more flexibility; and AWU television advertising campaign backs resources tax.
The ACCI has told a Senate inquiry into the Federal Government's paid parental leave bill that some employers were likely to amend existing arrangements after the new scheme comes in, while the ACTU wants the "keeping in touch" provisions narrowed so new parents can't be pressured into attending work to fill staffing gaps.
