Working days lost to industrial disputes have dropped to the lowest levels in more than 20 years under Work Choices, according to June quarter data released by the ABS today.
Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews today sent the Office of Workplace Services to investigate a Melbourne electrical company accused of docking its entire workforce a week's pay for imposing a lawful overtime ban.
Keppel Prince Engineering today opposed secret ballot applications for industrial action by its workers at the Portland Aluminium Smelter in Victoria, arguing that unions involved were seeking prohibited content in a proposed new enterprise deal.
Andrews accuses Labor of failing to disclose affiliation of witnesses to its IR inquiry; Market sector productivity up by 0.4% in quarter, 2.3% annually; MCG secured for national protest action against Work Choices; and ACT teachers back at work, after half-day stoppage.
The NSW Ambulance Service breached the federal Disability Discrimination Act by refusing to allow a diabetic to become a trainee ambulance officer, the Federal Magistrates Court has found.
Unions launch new radio ads for Queensland; Beazley names committee teams; Andrews accuses CFMEU of intimidation; IC bill unnecessarily complicates the law; leaves executive extensive powers to make change: Report; AIRC certifies Qantas flight attendants' agreement.
The AMWU has proposed 10 key reforms to the s457 temporary work visa system which, it says, are required to ensure that local training and skills and not undermined and that visa holders are not exploited.
The metal unions' Campaign 2006 has been "very quiet" compared to 2003 and 2000, when there had been statewide stoppages, according to AiG national IR director Stephen Smith.
