The AIRC was right to be cautious about the predicted links between enterprise bargaining and productivity gains, according to labour market economist and former senior deputy president, Keith Hancock.
The trouble-plagued HSU has set about cleaning up its reputation and practices, with the national council approving "historic" measures to make the union processes more democratic and transparent, including a full review.
Greens say annual leave ruling "un-Australian"; Coalition says it should be celebrated; Annual leave decision could lead to tourism downturn, says peak body; "Stare down the bosses", say Greens after AiG speech; SA votes to delay OHS harmonisation; Message for senior FWA member "grossly improper"; and Smart phones "polluting" non-work time, says research.
The Federal Government has rejected all attempts by employer groups to amend the Fair Work Act while at the same time granting significant changes sought by unions, according to the AiG.
The NSW PSA has taken its fight against the O'Farrell Government's public sector wages cap legislation to the High Court, where it will seek a declaration that the law is unconstitutional.
A FWA full bench majority has accepted the lawfulness of an agreement clause that pays annual leave in advance in a "loaded rate" while continuing to allow employees to take annual leave, which would be unpaid.
FWA has ordered Qantas to reinstate a long-serving customer service agent it dismissed for making unauthorised changes to passengers' bookings it discovered when investigating unrelated fraud allegations.
Fair Work Australia would have the power to make "secure employment orders" to force employers to move casual workers onto a permanent footing, if the ACTU succeeds in a test case it is considering running.
The ABCC has begun implementing key recommendations of its sham contracting inquiry report, including developing a Fair Work Contractor Statement and using compliance tools available under the Fair Work Act such as enforceable undertakings, according to ABC Commissioner Leigh Johns.
The report of the ABCC’s inquiry into sham contracting says more research is needed on the extent of the practice in the sector before it further considers pushing for legislation to stamp it out, and opposes developing a labour hire code of conduct, further considering the concept of joint employment and recognising "dependent contractors".
