An "understanding" between the CFMEU and AWU looms as the key to preventing demarcation flare-ups during the first tranche of work on the multi-billion dollar Gorgon LNG project, with head-contractor Thiess's proposed deals with the unions silent on how coverage issues will be dealt with on the site.
Reserve Bank Governor Glenn Stevens today warned that unemployment was the price of excessive wage increases and noted that "a lot" of business people were expressing concern over union activity in the WA resources sector.
The National Retailers Association has obtained legal advice that a High Court challenge to the award modernisation process could be successful, while the ACTU has condemned the proposed action.
ANF seeks answers on take home pay orders; Full court dismisses appeal by employee refused a transfer; Employer can have lawyer to argue sacking a redundancy; and Meetings and claim for parity aren't enough, FWA tells union.
A construction worker must be returned to his job on the same building site he was unfairly dismissed from for swearing, Fair Work Australia has found, in a significant ruling on the tribunal's powers when reinstating employees.
A Sydney bar worker who developed a severe psychological condition after being subjected to what the NSW District Court found was sustained intimidation, bullying and harassment by her supervisor has been awarded more than $500,000 in damages.
Some occupations could score more points than others, while work experience, excellence in English and qualifications from high quality overseas universities would be better rewarded under a raft of changes to the skilled migration points test the Federal Government is considering.
The ABCC has launched its own Federal Court action against the CFMEU's WA branch and its assistant secretary Joe McDonald over strike action at the Pluto LNG project, while talks between unions and Woodside directed at resolving the dispute are beginning to bear fruit.
AWU national secretary Paul Howes today maintained a disciplined union movement was ready to again fight the Coalition; labelled Opposition Leader Tony Abbott the Liberal Party's Mark Latham; accused "rogue agrarian capitalists" of getting "shady local fellows" to press-gang workers into cheap service; and proposed a scheme to divert foreign investment into local infrastructure.
Fair Work Australia has reinstated a long-serving Norske Skog employee, after ruling it was harsh to sack him for repeatedly failing to wear safety glasses and finding it would have been a "disaster" for the man and his family if he lost his job.
