Australia's poor labour productivity performance in comparison to the US is partly explained by Australia's geographic isolation, and might mean the efficiency gap can't be completely closed, according to a new Treasury study.
The ACTU will this weekend begin airing a new round of television commercials to highlight the impact of Work Choices on working people, including some of the sacked Cowra abattoir workers.
The NSW Government has allocated $9 million for IR compliance activities in its 2006-2007 Budget to fund what IR Minister John Della Bosca says will be the largest targeted workplace inspection program of any labour agency in Australia.
New record-keeping requirements start; OWS encouraging workers to complain, after sacking allegation; Swing to permanent employment nothing to do with Work Choices, says recruiter; ABCC calls off forum after CFMEU protest; Government assistance for Beaconsfield workers; and ALP criticises changes to APS citizenship requirements.
Copyright restrictions now prevent the DEWR from publishing collective agreements, unless they obtain consent from the employer party, according to the Department.
Employer peak groups have argued for no safety net increase for NSW award workers until the Fair Pay Commission's first determination, while the Federal Government today formally withdrew from the State Wage Case. South Australia's wage case also started today.
Andrews withdraws from NSW wage case; SA wage case starts Monday; NSW unions to seek state regulation of guest worker sponsors; Howard wrong on Spotlight, says SDA; Unions gearing up for June 25 week of action against Work Choices; Victorian and NSW electrical contracting sectors still not code compliant; SA IRC reserves decision on adult apprenticeship rates; HREOC extends same-sex discrimination inquiry's submission deadline; and NSW Work Choices inquiry hearings start June 19.
The ALP has seized on comments by AFPC Commissioner Professor Ian Harper as supporting its claim that real minimum wages levels are under threat from Work Choices.