In a further step toward unions' objectives of regulating and organising the call centre industry, the IRC has recognised that the NUW's commercial traveller coverage extends to call centre workers, and the ASU has won a dispute finding against pay TV operators.
The IRC has cleared the way for BHP Steel Limited to seek damages from maintenance unions and up to 260 workers for revenue lost during a strike at the company's Western Port steel production site in Victoria.
Unions believe an upcoming full bench arbitration of an enterprise award for a call centre could help to build a new benchmark for employment regulation in the fast-expanding industry.
An unfair dismissal ruling highlights the importance of an employer obtaining details of any criminal charges against a worker in order to make a decision about their future employment.
The Cole Royal Commission has signalled that it will consider recommending a powerful national taskforce to enforce the law in the construction industry.
In a blow for Sex Discrimination Commissioner Pru Goward's campaign for a national paid maternity leave scheme, Finance Minister Nick Minchin has labelled paid leave as middle class welfare and suggested it would be too costly to the public purse.
The NSW IRC (in Court Session) has awarded a redundant Brambles executive 80% of his premium share options, worth a nett $221,440.80 - in part because of the company's generosity to other departing members of staff.
The ASU has rejected Qantas's 9% over three years pay offer and is continuing to pursue its bargaining claim for 10% over two years and new work classifications.
