The information in a leaked DEWR email stating the department was introducing tough new rules on sick leave certificates for AWA workers was wrong, secretary Peter Boxall said today.
DEWR has become the first federal public sector agency to enforce the tough Work Choices sick leave certificate regime, requiring all AWA employees to produce medical certificates for single day absences.
The AIRC today ceased hearing the first application for a secret ballot for industrial action under Work Choices, saying transitional provisions allow the Australian Nursing Federation's stop work meetings to proceed without a vote.
In a move that will give him more flexibility to regulate IR in the building industry through the Government's purchasing power, Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews has reversed his plans to legislate the national construction code and guidelines, and will continue to apply it administratively.
The proportion of Australian workers on low pay is increasing and many of them are not protected from financial distress by living in dual income households or receiving welfare benefits, according to academic research released today.
Employers seeking the new s496 orders to halt industrial action where unions claim employees are acting without authorisation look likely to seek to rely on the Federal Court's recent CFMEU v Clarke ruling, after the AIRC today heard its third application under the new provisions.
The Cowra abattoir that gave its 29 employees notice that they would all be sacked, with 20 then to be rehired at lower rates, has withdrawn its notices of termination, Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews advised this afternoon.
In a case that could have implications for rostering across a range of industries, two Qantas flight attendants with caring responsibilities have intervened in the certification hearing for the new Qantas short haul cabin crew agreement, arguing it shouldn't be approved because it is discriminatory.
