Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens today agreed in principle that allowing bargaining on a wider range of matters would be positive for productivity, as both sides of politics sought to draw him into supporting their IR policy positions in his evidence to the House Economics Committee.
Who should manage organisational responses to the challenges arising from global warming - HR or internal environmental experts? That question was a matter of controversy at a Workplace Research Centre conference in Sydney yesterday, where the environmental sustainability director of a major construction company said handing the job to HR was the "blue screen of death" for the issue.
The CFMEU has won a $7,000 fine against a NSW painting business for sacking an employee because he took time off for an injury, despite the company's argument that it dismissed him because it had ceased operating.
Serco Sodexho Defence Services has been fined $7,500 for applying duress to a 19-year-old employee by threatening to dismiss her unless she signed an AWA, in a case that demonstrates employers' confusion over Work Choices.
Government says 26-week paid maternity leave unlikely to be affordable as Oroton starts 12 week scheme; New agency to redeploy federal public servants from May 1; Nelson confirms support for Government's no-disadvantage test; Former Hockey staffer joins Sparke Helmore; and Burrow, White on 2020 list.
Leading figures in the IR community have featured prominently in the list of 1,000 people who will participate in the Rudd Government's 2020 Summit in Canberra next month.
In a first for grocery retailers, fast-growing Aldi Stores will from next week provide 14 weeks maternity leave on half pay to its 3,300 permanent employees, 60% of them women. Meanwhile, the shop union's leader, Joe de Bruyn, says Myer's new paid maternity leave entitlement will put pressure on David Jones to go down the same track during its current bargaining negotiations.
National retailer Myer has taken the lead in its sector on paid parental leave, today introducing a six-week benefit for its 10,000 permanent employees.
Transitional IR legislation gets Royal Assent, but yet to be proclaimed; Nelson promoted to national John Holland role; Telstra to voluntarily backpay $700,000; Carers' responsibility discrimination claim fails; and LHMU settles unfair dismissal case with former organiser.
