In a decision that looks behind purported independent contractor arrangements, a full bench of the IRC has ruled that a courier owner-driver for a Mayne Nickless subsidiary was an employee.
In a result that will inspire unions to run campaigns to win over shareholders of public companies perceived as union-unfriendly, one in five Rio Tinto shareholders have supported union-sponsored resolutions for improved corporate governance and adherence to labour standards.
Wage increases in large private sector enterprise agreements have surged to an annualised 3.9% in the March quarter, up from 3.5% in December, according to an analysis by HSBC of large federal agreements registered in the quarter.
The IRC has rejected a group of 43 AWAs and knocked back an employer's claim that staff discount arrangements worth $19 a week meant workers wouldn't be worse off than under the award.
Workers First candidate for the AMWU's Victorian secretary position, Craig Johnston, has won the most votes in the ballot, but now has to wait until at least Monday to see if he can enjoy the fruits of his win after the incumbent, Julius Roe, raised concerns about missing ballot papers.
The Labor Party plans a tripartite process to determine the shape of the good faith bargaining provisions it has promised to introduce if returned to Government at the next election, says Shadow IR Minister Arch Bevis.
The resignation of VECCI chief executive and former John Howard staffer Nicole Feely from Victoria's IR Taskforce has precipitated the appointment of four new members.
Federal Court Justice Ron Merkel has reserved his decision today on the penalty to impose on the three union officials he found guilty of contempt of court.