The House of Representatives has this afternoon passed the government's Migration Act changes to tighten up 457 visa approvals and compliance, despite earlier reports they had been dumped by new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd.
Ministers stay put for now, says Rudd; Public sector unions welcome steps towards ratifying ILO conventions; Queensland unions given green light to push ahead with PS interim increase claim; Federal parliament passes public-sector whistleblower laws
The Fair Work Commission has found a Hunter Valley coal mine's proposal to direct shotfirers and maintenance employees to work on public holidays is consistent with their enterprise agreement, the Fair Work Act's public holiday rules and the NES.
Higher superannuation contributions, new federal minimum wage rates and new employer sponsorship obligations are just some of the changes that will take effect from Monday, July 1.
The NSW Government is contemplating amendments to its controversial public sector wage cap regulation after the state IRC's full bench refused to discount the guaranteed 2.5% increase by the Commonwealth's 0.25% superannuation charge, which kicks in next week.
The federal government's bill outlawing discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, gender identity and intersex status is through parliament, including late amendments removing the usual religious organisation exemption for Commonwealth-funded aged care providers – but not when it comes to employment.
The Yallourn power station lockout is now in its fifth day, with non-union labour operating two of the plant's four generators and a CFMEU "protest camp" set up outside the front gate.
University and NTEU in war of words over "spill" of academic positions; Cigarette breaks cost employers more than $3300 per smoker, says university study; WA owner-drivers regulation covers tow trucks, says tribunal; PC to inquire into access to justice; and Audit Office releases HR best practice guide on employment data management.
The ALAEA has lost its challenge to Qantas's introduction last year of a line maintenance system that requires fewer checks on newer aircraft and that led to the redundancy of 30 LAMEs.
