The CFMEU (construction & general division) looks likely to make big inroads into the AWU's 7,000-strong membership in the civil construction sector, following the CFMEU's successful bid to represent workers in the civil construction sector.
The FSU has had its first success in a new two-pronged campaign to increase the regulation of casuals and labour hire employees in the finance industry.
Employers in the metals sector could see the stridency of the enterprise bargaining campaigns in Victoria extend to the rest of the country if the AMWU's militant Workers First faction is successful in toppling the union's national and Victorian leadership in upcoming elections.
Workplace Relations Minister Peter Reith and Conservative state governments are proposing a living wage increase of $8 up to C10 level ($447.20) in the metals award - a third of the $24 sought by the ACTU.
A Queensland company is appealing to the State's Court of Appeal to halt the first test of the Qld IR Act's controversial provisions to deem contractors as employees.