Unions are calling on Qantas to permit sick workers to continue accessing paid personal leave entitlements while stood down due to the coronavirus, despite the Federal Court ruling today that it is not obliged to do so.
Qantas and Jetstar are seeking a Federal Court injunction stopping the FWC from arbitrating a dispute over the stand-down of hundreds of licenced aircraft maintenance engineers, plus declarations that it was outside their control.
An external investigator probing bullying and conflict of interest allegations against WA IEU branch secretary Angela Briant has warned of OHS and legal risks, recommending the union bring in an HR specialist and act to rectify conduct issues.
An FWC full bench has today reserved its decision on proposed coronavirus-driven changes to the vehicle award, after a service stations peak body said reduction of hours provisions are "useless" due to minimum pay floors.
The FWC will approve consent coronavirus-driven changes to the vehicle manufacturing, repair services and retail award if it doesn't receive any objections by late this afternoon, while it has endorsed a variation that delays half of a pay rise for six months at Ford Australia.
As some employers suggest that FWC's minimum wage panel might need to freeze or cut minimum pay due to the coronavirus crisis, the UK has lifted its wage floor to 60% of the median.
Employers intend to mount a "material" case in opposition to the union bid for health and community workers to receive paid leave if they are required to self-isolate during the coronavirus pandemic.
A Federal Court judge has promised today to rule swiftly on whether Qantas employees stood down due to the coronavirus pandemic can access paid personal (sick) leave, carers' leave and compassionate leave.
Unions have unveiled a website to gather case studies of employers allegedly rorting the JobKeeper scheme and its intended $1500-a-fortnight wage subsidy.
