The OECD has recommended that countries look at European "flexicurity" models that protect workers made redundant while providing for the job mobility required to allow movement from shrinking to growing sectors of the economy. It has also backed paid maternity leave, saying it boosts multi factor productivity.
Employers face being fined if they don't give their employees a Workplace Authority fact sheet under planned government amendments to the fairness test bill.
Wage increases in private sector collective agreements have dropped in the first year of Work Choices from 4% a year to 3.5%, despite unemployment reaching near-record lows and a booming economy.
Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd could face months of further embarrassment over his wife's company's award compliance, after the Office of Workplace Services yesterday detailed a two-stage investigation process.
The Howard Government will provide $370m in extra funding for administration and enforcement of the safety net changes introduced into Parliament today, including more than $100m in the next financial year.
Labor's proposed Fair Work Australia would be obliged to review minimum wage rates annually, in time for a July 1 rise, and Federal Treasury would be required to inform the new body about the likely economic effects of adjusting minimum rates, if a Rudd Government takes power at this year's election.
