New research commissioned by the ACTU has tested the view that minimum wage jobs are a stepping stone to higher paid employment, finding that while they are a springboard for some, a large minority get stuck on minimum rates.
The Federal Government says signs of a better than expected economy recovery increase the scope for FWA to award a real increase in the minimum wage, while the ACTU says the improved outlook supports its $27-a-week claim.
Skilled migration occupations cut from 400-plus to 181; Abbott vows not to return to the past on IR and promises more flexibility; and AWU television advertising campaign backs resources tax.
The ACCI has told a Senate inquiry into the Federal Government's paid parental leave bill that some employers were likely to amend existing arrangements after the new scheme comes in, while the ACTU wants the "keeping in touch" provisions narrowed so new parents can't be pressured into attending work to fill staffing gaps.
Alcoa has successfully repelled an AWU bid for costs after the company reversed its initial opposition to bringing cleaners within the scope of a proposed agreement at the Pinjarra alumina refinery in WA.
Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has again foreshadowed that a return to individual agreements and a small business unfair dismissal exemption will be the Coalition's main IR changes if it wins the next federal election.
The ACTU has called for the Federal Government's paid parental leave bill - introduced into parliament yesterday - to include a statutory object clearly stating that the new scheme is an addition to existing paid parental leave entitlements, while both the AiG and BCA say they don't expect employers will reduce existing arrangements.
Woolworths is seeking FWA approval of its first nationwide enterprise agreement - one of Australia's biggest – which will boost employees' wages by about 3.5% a year and entitle 20-year-old workers to full adult rates.
