The Labor majority on the Senate committee inquiring into the ALP's transitional IR bill has made just one recommendation in its report tabled late this afternoon - that the Senate pass the legislation.
The Rudd Government's transitional IR bill is through the Lower House and looks on track to be proclaimed next week, after the Opposition stuck with its strategy announced last month of not supporting, but not opposing, the legislation.
In proposing a $13.30 across-the-board increase in minimum wages this year, the AiG is urging the AFPC to exercise "caution" at a time of economic uncertainty and inflationary pressures, saying any increase should also take account of tax and welfare transfers.
ACCI is calling on the AFPC to increase minimum wages this year in line with its 2007 determination, arguing another increase of $10.25 a week in minimum wages up to $700 (with about half as much for those earning more) would deliver real increases for the lower paid when this year's tax cuts are taken into account.
Real minimum pay rise will not cause inflation, says ACTU; Unions WA to seek 5.9% pay rise in state minimum wage case; Victorian Government seeks to terminate bargaining period ahead of HSU strike; and Divers’ dispute highlights need to fast-track federal bargaining changes, say unions.
The Federal Government has, as expected, declined to nominate a dollar figure in its submission to the Australian Fair Pay Commission's minimum wage review, saying it was instead providing the tribunal with economic data to assist it in its wage setting functions. Treasury head Ken Henry, meanwhile, has rejected Opposition claims that his department recommended the Government support an $18-a-week increase.
A Crown Casino employee and “football fanatic” who obtained a medical certificate so he could take time off to attend the last game as Essendon coach of AFL legend Kevin Sheedy in Perth has failed in an unlawful dismissal case that canvasses the issue of whether employers are bound to accept medical certificates they believe are not genuine.
The Rudd Government's plan to establish Fair Work Australia gives it the opportunity to be innovative on dispute prevention, with the UK and Ireland among the countries providing a lead that Australia could look at following, according to Monash University's Dr Anthony Forsyth.
