Workers on major construction projects in WA's Dampier-Karratha region have gone out for the day following a rally this morning at Dampier to protest the Howard Government's second wave IR plans, as the union week of action builds momentum.
Liberal council meeting opposes IR takeover; Federal public sector agencies failing to plan for workforce needs; and pharmacies working toward template AWA.
It would be a "hollow, spineless" IR system that would leave workers to the cost and risk of trying to vindicate their employment rights at common law in the ordinary courts, according to the ANU's Professor Phillipa Weeks.
Major building sites across Melbourne's CBD and inner suburbs are expected to close down next Thursday as unions hold rallies around Australia to protest against the Howard Government’s IR changes.
NSW's Liberal leader John Brogden today said he had no qualms about the Howard/Andrews sweeping federal IR package, and confirmed he would cede NSW's IR powers to Canberra if he won office.
The Federal Court has cleared the way for a discrimination claim to proceed against Hawker de Havilland Aerospace Pty Ltd, with unions alleging the company directed bonus payments from a Boeing group share trust scheme only to non-members.
The Federal Government has this morning denied that delaying the new Fair Pay Commission's first wage determination until Spring next year would effectively result in a wage freeze for award workers.
The Building Industry Taskforce will have new powers to compel individuals in the construction industry to attend interviews, divulge information and hand over documents, after the Senate yesterday finally allowed new guidelines for the powers to take effect. Those who defy the Taskforce face penalties or up to six months behind bars.
