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The ACTU has welcomed the ALP's IR policies announced by Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd today, particularly the proposed national system and unfair dismissal changes, but has expressed caution over the anti-strike rules.

A Labor Government would put in place a national IR system for the private sector, outlaw industrial action unless approved by a secret ballot, prohibit strike pay and re-introduce streamlined unfair dismissal laws, but with a 12-month probation period for businesses with 15 employees or fewer, Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd announced today.

Employment Advocate Peter McIlwain has denied his office analysed leaked data on a sample of AWAs lodged under Work Choices showing 45% abolished all protected award conditions.

Costello warns of wages breakout without individual wage fixing; Golden Casket sale to erode working conditions: ASU; and Unions back TV ads with letterboxing drive in SA marginals.

The Defence Department and three of its male officers are facing a $100,000 compensation payment to a female former employee who was sexually assaulted, sexually harassed and victimised while working at a Navy depot in Cairns, following a Federal Magistrates Court ruling.

The Coalition's use of its Senate majority - including by pushing through Work Choices without a mandate - will lead to it losing control after the next election, according to renowned election analyst Malcolm Mackerras. This would give a Rudd Labor Government a chance of repealing the laws and passing its own, and would rob the Coalition of the ability to block Labor's plans.

Employers are "snapping up workers" because they’ve never been a bigger bargain, according to consultants Access Economics' quarterly Business Outlook report for the next five years released today.

Labor has dismissed Coalition claims that it and unions are spending $100m in their campaign against Work Choices, while Workplace Relations Minister Joe Hockey put out a statement late today saying he is not planning a further wave of IR change, after earlier in the day saying no Government could afford to "rest on its laurels" on economic reforms, including those targeting the workplace.

The two-day meeting of education ministers in Darwin has ended, as expected, with a rejection by the Labor states and territories of the Federal Government's proposal for performance pay for teachers.

In a crucial ruling, a Federal Court full bench has this afternoon found that Work Choices covers the field and that the NSW IRC has no power to conduct its inquiry into Tristar.