A reduction in size and frequency of pay rises explains the recent historically-low growth in wage rates, according to new RBA research conducted in collaboration with the ABS.
Lendlease has struck a new multi-state enterprise agreement with the CFMEU that will deliver pay rises of 20% over four years and provides for a new deal to be negotiated if the Turnbull Government's 2014 construction code takes effect.
Leading employment law practitioners have predicted it is only a matter of time before Australia sees a test case similar to UK's recent landmark Uber decision which found drivers were employees, not contractors.
The NSW IRC has rejected road transport organisation Natroad's bid to exempt its members from legislation extending minimum rates for owner drivers and contractors throughout NSW, finding the unregistered association lacks standing.
Pay rises in private-sector enterprise deals have climbed back above 3%, coinciding with a big reduction in agreement-making in retail and hospitality, according to the Department of Employment.
A university study of international students' employment conditions in food services shows they are receiving as little as $8 an hour and a median of $17, well below the award rate of about $21.
The FWC is canvassing whether it should rule early next year on the United Voice request to follow the UK's lead in setting a medium-term target for the minimum wage.
Australian authorities are seeking assurances that the owners and operators of a coal carrier detained off the Queensland coast will pay the wages of about 20 crew and give them enough provisions for their journey to China.
Growth in rates of pay excluding bonuses are now firmly below 2% for the first time since the ABS began compiling the Wage Price Index nearly 20 years ago.
