In a major development in Campaign 2000, the metal industry unions have withdrawn the protected bargaining notices that the AiG was seeking to suspend - ending their right to take protected action but at the same time stymieing a test case on the legality of pattern bargaining.
A WA ALP government would allow statutory individual contracts struck under existing IR laws to run their full term, but only if they met a higher benchmark.
An important High Court decision has upheld an employer's liability for a worker's incapacitating stroke - even though it was common ground that her work was not a contributory factor.
In another serious turn in the long-running American-style bargaining dispute at Joy Manufacturing, the company is understood to have brought in workers from Victoria and Tasmania to replace those it locked out.
Victorian public servants will vote later this month on a deal struck between the CPSU and the State Government that will put an end to the Kennett Government's individual contracts regime.
Patrick and its stevedoring employee Glen Wood have parted ways for good, after the IRC upheld his dismissal for failing to comply with a direction from management.
While the AiG and MTFU continue to battle it out in the IRC over the legality of the unions' Campaign 2000 tactics, bargaining goes on in the field, and the deals, according to the AMWU's Darren Nelson are "ticking over".
The BCA has renewed its campaign for a unitary IR system, proposing a public forum in November to provide a chance for all stakeholders to discuss the issue.