The FWC has expedited the hearing of the restaurant industry's bid to vary its award to boost hours and leave flexibility as it shifts to a COVID-19 business model based on takeaways and home delivery.
Restaurant employers have applied to the FWC to vary the industry award to provide more flexibility to deal with the coronavirus virus, following on from similar cases involving clerical and hotels awards.
The FWC has approved a protected action ballot at a major personal protection equipment company declared an "essential business" in the battle against coronavirus, after the employer withdrew multiple objections.
FWC President Iain Ross will this afternoon hear a joint application by the UWU and the Australian Hotels Association to vary the hospitality award 2010 to help businesses to save jobs as the coronavirus crisis bites.
Coronavirus-driven cuts in domestic flights are hindering the movement of FIFO workers, causing some mining operations to look at special charter flights.
IR Minister Christian Porter told Parliament this afternoon that the Morrison Government has provided $42 million in extra funding to the FWO to boost its information systems as the coronavirus pandemic gathers pace.
The Queensland Teachers' Union has demanded that the Palaszczuk Government close the State's schools by Wednesday, leaving open the possibility of strike action if it does not respond.
The Morrison Government has unveiled a "supercharged" safety net that will double payments to the unemployed and those who lose their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aviation unions have demanded that a $715 million support package flow to workers rather than help prop up the finances of airlines during the COVID-19 crisis.
The CFMMEU and the AWU have made a joint appeal for mining and resources sector workers to receive sick pay if required to self-isolate and for minimum conditions to apply if they are stood down.