More news - page 1756 of 2242

Pay growth reaches new seven-year high

The ABS Labour Price Index, released today, shows annual wage growth across the economy has hit 4.2% in trend terms, the highest level since 1998, while private sector growth has reached a new record of 4%.

Awards vital to maintain level playing field, says employer body

The Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce has appealed to the Howard Government to maintain its federal awards, saying they provide a level playing field that ensures employers in its industry don't undercut each other on wages.

ACCI defends AFPC, predicts states will refer IR powers

The ACCI has told the Senate inquiry into the Work Choices legislation that it would argue in future minimum wage fixing cases under the Fair Pay Commission for "less focus on comparativism and reduced scope for unions to attempt to have safety net wages pursue redistributive functions".

To incorporate, or not to incorporate - or both: NFF

The NFF will advise larger farms to consider incorporating part of their business for employment purposes, but keep the rest unincorporated for tax reasons, the farmers' organisation told the Senate inquiry into Work Choices today.

Unions promise campaign of civil disobedience against second wave

ACTU secretary Greg Combet has promised a campaign of civil disobedience as part of a new "movement for change" against the Howard Government, as hundreds of thousands of people attended union rallies today against the Work Choices legislation.

AiG uncovers Work Choices provisions that disadvantage employers

The Work Choices legislation should be amended to reduce its overly generous sick/carers leave provisions and to restrict access to the new default provision of five weeks annual leave for shiftworkers, the Australian Industry Group told the Senate inquiry into the bill today.

Anti-strike order refused ahead of union protest day

The AIRC today refused to grant a s127 order to McCain Foods to stop AMWU members at its Wendouree plant near Ballarat in Victoria from taking part in tomorrow's national union protest against the Work Choices legislation.

It's unfair, we'll fight it: State IR ministers come to town

Australia's eight state and territory ALP IR ministers presented a united front in Canberra today, arguing before the Work Choices Senate inquiry that the legislation the Federal Government was attempting to impose on their jurisdictions was unconstitutional, complex, and would reduce employees' wages and conditions. They also refused to answer questions from the committee's chair about advice they'd received on their planned High Court challenge.

DEWR looking at 38-hour averaging, 90 days' notice, Senate inquiry told

The "unintended consequences" of the 38-hour week averaging and the point at which employers can give 90-days' notice to terminate an agreement are two areas in Work Choices the DEWR is looking at, the Senate inquiry into the legislation heard this morning.