In an important transmission of business case, a company that operates sport and leisure facilities – largely outsourced by councils – has convinced the IRC that it should not be bound by any of the 13 federal awards designated by unions.
The Federal Court has found a serious case to be tried that Liquorland and the SDA sought to breach a demarcation agreement the shop union had with the LHMU, but has refused to intervene.
After a long standoff with the FSU, National Australia Bank now wants to strike a new agreement with the union by the end of May, while bargaining remains derailed at ANZ.
The IRC has shown that it is willing to provide the ultimate penalty against parties who do not comply with directions – preventing them leading any evidence.
In the first decision on what is meant by a "reasonable qualifying period" under last August's amendment to federal unfair dismissal laws, the IRC has found that much of the case law on the issue of "reasonable" needed to be considered afresh.
Former UnionsWA leader Tony Cooke has been appointed chair of Worksafe WA, while leading discrimination lawyer Moira Rayner has temporarily become the State's Equal Opportunity Commissioner after the retirement of June Williams.
Rolling stock manufacturer Maintrain could be the next employee entitlements flashpoint, following the settlement this morning of the Walker dispute that brought the car industry to a standstill.
Individual contract pioneer Robe River Mining is set to enter into its first formal relationship with unions since the 1980s, following applications by three unions to be bound by the employer's s170LK agreement.
