After five years at the helm of the ACTU, secretary Jeff Lawrence confirmed today that he won't seek re-election when his term expires in May, with AMWU national secretary Dave Oliver emerging as the early frontrunner to replace him.
National accounts figures released today show that productivity grew strongly in the 2011 calendar year, with real unit labour costs falling and value added for each hour worked rising.
The AiG's reply submission to the review of the Fair Work Act says there is no need to require employers to give notice of lockouts; the FWO says the Toyota Material Handling case will have only a limited effect; and a Federal Court full bench has today reserved its decision on the AIPA's challenge to FWA's termination of industrial action at Qantas.
The ACTU has called on the panel reviewing the Fair Work Act to discard submissions from peak employer bodies, on the basis that they have failed to address the terms of reference and are seeking to reinstate features of Work Choices. Meanwhile, BHP Billiton has urged the panel to throw out union proposals to specifically allow entry to lunchrooms and to recognise the legitimacy of pattern bargaining.
New implementation guidelines for the national construction code remove detailed prescriptions against project agreements while specifically permitting unregistered agreements that provide for reduction of carbon pollution and running of anti-bullying and suicide prevention programs.
An HR outsourcing company has successfully enforced a two-year restraint provision - with all but three months of that on full pay - against one of its founders, whose ability to attract clients was likened to "sprinkling fairy dust".
All MySuper products could be eligible to be default super funds in awards, says PC; Full bench upholds Victorian health sector scope order; and Collins gets additional responsibilities, Carr loses manufacturing, in reshuffle.
The Federal Government has criticised the Coalition after it made clear it would oppose legislation introduced into parliament last month aimed at protecting employee entitlements.
New gender equality reporting obligations for employers of more than 100 employees will be phased in over the next two years, after the Federal Government today introduced legislation that establishes the new Workplace Gender Equality Agency and a more stringent reporting framework.
