The ACTU has responded to Workplace Relations Minister Kevin Andrews' sketch-map of the Howard Government's IR priorities with a warning that any reduction in the AIRC's role would be "incredibly short-sighted".
Research by acirrt has revealed the dove-tailing of the Federal Government's plans to both keep older employees working and to increase the percentage of workers operating outside the current workplace relations system.
The President of the AIRC, Justice Geoffrey Giudice, has referred two Victorian construction industry agreements to a full bench of the Commission to determine whether provisions they contain fall foul of the High Court's Electrolux ruling.
NSW introduces workplace fatalities bill; OECD recommends NZ boost childcare subsidies to boost female labour force participation; Multi-business agreement covers 15,000 public sector workers; 60% of non union members admit to free riding, says ACREW survey; "Scab" slogan constutes harassment, Skill shortage to shift focus of HR practitioners; and Szoke to be new head of Victorian EO Commission.
The AIRC will run a large deficit in the current financial year and faces greater losses in coming years that will compel cuts in the Commission's services from 2005-06 if the Federal Government doesn't provide more funding, according to its President, Justice Geoffrey Giudice.
Wesfarmers Premier Coal's challenge to the lawfulness of industrial action by the AMWU's WA branch, which will be heard by the Federal Court early next month, is set to be the next key case on the implementation of the High Court's Electrolux ruling following Friday's Ballantyne decision.
Stephen Smith is Federal Labor's new Shadow IR minister, while new frontbencher Tanya Plibersek is taking on the newly-created position of work and family spokesperson, as the Opposition faces a barrage of IR legislation from the Howard Government.
