Bargained private sector wage rises recovered to near three-year highs in the March quarter, before they felt the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Attorney-General's Department.
The first national accounts data to measure a full quarter of the coronavirus economic downturn confirms Australia is in recession and shows a big reduction in hours worked and real labour costs, alongside a substantial increase in productivity.
The coronavirus pandemic has cut growth in the Wage Price Index in the private sector to the lowest level in its 23-year history, the ABS has confirmed today.
The Victorian government says its soon-to-be-released inquiry into the on-demand workforce has provided the insights necessary to "plug gaps" and ensure gig workers enjoy safe conditions and fair pay.
A major union-commissioned study has found the NDIS workforce is "carrying the costs and risks" of disability service provision, performing high levels of unpaid work and unable to recoup significant out of pocket expenses
Large numbers of retail employees covered by agreements approved in the second half of last year face wage freezes if employers succeed in their campaign for a coronavirus-driven pause in minimum pay rises such as that adopted during the GFC, new Attorney-General's Department data on bargained wage rises reveals.
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.
Drought, bushfires and pandemic panic-buying have contributed to the highest annual consumer price inflation since 2014, according to ABS quarterly data released today.
An FWC majority finding that an Uber delivery driver could not bring an unfair dismissal claim as she was an independent contractor highlights a need for legislative intervention to recognise that many gig workers are employees, says a leading employment law academic.
A Sydney University think tank has warned that a post-coronavirus reversal of globalisation could reduce labour productivity by up to 12%, when Australia could enjoy a 9% labour efficiency boost by matching world-leading levels of internationalisation.
