New stand down provisions the Howard Government is seeking to insert into the Workplace Relations Act give employers broad scope to send workers home if affected by strikes, machinery breakdowns or other stoppages outside the control of the employer. And in a surprise change revealed last night, workers will be allowed to waive the requirement to have an AWA for seven days before signing it.
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has rejected union calls for an employee ballot on its new offer of AWAs that it says "buys out" protected award conditions including overtime and shift allowances in exchange for higher base pay than the existing collective agreement.
A Federal Court full bench has overturned the Office of the Employment Advocate's decision to refuse leave on the basis of operational reasons to an employee who planned to participate in Thursday's union national day of action against Work Choices.
Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews was due this afternoon to issue a statement on his independent contractors legislation, which is listed to be introduced into the Senate later today.
With no requirement on employers to provide the information up-front, 50 employees have lodged unfair dismissal claims under Work Choices only to find out later their company employed 100 or fewer workers, while nine "operational reasons" decisions went employees' way before Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews last week intervened in an AIRC appeal.
The AIRC has ordered two carpet company directors to attend conciliation hearings with the textile union over a disputed offer of AWAs to 300 workers at the Feltex factory in Melbourne, which they are buying from receivers.
Workers at troubled car parts maker Ajax Fasteners downed tools today and occupied its Melbourne factory, accusing its owners of seeking to appoint a receiver despite a six-month rescue deal agreed in August to secure employee entitlements and guarantee supplies to major car makers.
More than 40% of mothers who resume work within 15 months of giving birth are doing so earlier than they would prefer due to financial pressure, highlighting the need for more paid parental leave and better arrangements for mothers to take leave without being penalised, according to research by a University of Queensland academic.
The Federal Court has upheld an OEA ban on employees taking leave to attend this Thursday's union protests against WorkChoices, saying it does not breach the new Act's freedom of association provisions. The CPSU is now pursuing an urgent appeal.
