The CFMEU (mining & energy division) will use pattern bargaining to pursue increases in both hourly rates and employer superannuation contributions in its next generation of agreements, the union's general president, Tony Maher, signalled today.
Screening by employers of workers' email and internet use could be challenged under telecommunications laws, according to Minter Ellison lawyer Megan Dixon.
In another blow to Workplace Relations Minister Peter Reith's campaign for a unitary IR system, the Queensland Government has said it won't support his proposal.
The AWU has withdrawn from negotiations with BP for a new deal for operators at the company's oil refinery in Kwinana WA and was today planning to initiate protected bargaining, claiming the company is attempting to "attack" the oil industry standard 35-hour week.
The Federal Court's administrative employees have voted up a new enterprise agreement that provides a 10% pay rise over two years (but with an existing bonus rolled in), better access to flexi-time and time off in lieu for employees who travel, and in-house emergency rooms for workers with dependants.
Victoria is tonight facing blackouts after a mass meeting of Latrobe Valley power workers voted in favour of shutting down the industry for 24-hours from 7pm.
Do periods of full-time or fixed-term contract work count when calculating whether an employee is a short-term casual and therefore excluded from lodging an unfair dismissal claim? The IRC says they do.
The Queensland IRC will examine the findings of the NSW pay equity inquiry and look at the adequacy of existing legislation as part of the State's own inquiry into pay equity.
The ACTU is disappointed with the Howard Government's response today to HREOC's Pregnant and Productive report, saying it has failed women by refusing to introduce unpaid maternity leave for long-term casuals and develop enforceable standards for treatment of pregnant women in the workplace.
The IRC has awarded $61,000 in compensation to four CFMEU members dismissed for their union activities during the recent 36-hour week campaign in Victoria.
