The ACTU has called for employers to "step up" ahead of the forecast peak in COVID-19 numbers by providing leave at full pay for workers who need to isolate or quarantine and distributing free rapid antigen tests to all employees.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers have today reiterated their "commitment" to real wages growth at the same time as RBA Governor Philip Lowe has repeated his warning about pay rises contributing to an inflationary "cycle".
A former NSW IRC president has told an event marking the tribunal's 120th anniversary that limits on its powers and jurisdiction, such as the State Coalition Government's wages cap, hinder its ability to be "a just institution".
The FWO has lost its appeal against a finding that four allegedly underpaid delivery drivers were independent contractors rather than employees, the judge observing that the case was "much harder" to decide than the recent High Court ruling that guided him.
In a decision casting doubt on the FWC's ability to commission the AEC to conduct MSD ballots, a senior member says it would be better if the IEU confers directly with workers at a small crèche after deciding to exclude their manager from coverage of a proposed agreement.
The FWC has tightened its benchmarks for finalising cases, with 50% to be completed within eight weeks (down from 13 weeks) and 90% within 16 weeks (down from 26 weeks).
The AMWU is seeking to change its eligibility rules to remove any doubt about whether it can cover apprentices and trainees, as it seeks to build a foothold in BHP's internal labour hire operation.
The FWC has reinstated a senior Virgin flight attendant accused of tardiness, stealing snacks, sleeping and watching a movie while on duty, finding pandemic-driven loads on HR delayed the airline's investigation and contributed to procedural fairness deficiencies.
Just a month after declaring its intention to delete "Schedule X" unpaid pandemic leave provisions, the recent COVID-19 resurgence has spurred the FWC to extend their operation in a handful of health and care awards, coinciding with the Federal Government reviving the pandemic leave disaster payments.
The Albanese Labor Government is seeking to ease stringent Morrison Government measures that required superannuation funds to disclose payments to registered organisations, including unions.
