In the first significant pandemic-related dispute over mass lay-offs to come before the FWC, the Federal Court's transcription service provider has been criticised for making "hollow" consultation promises and reminded to treat workers "with dignity in this time of crisis".
Federal Parliament is set to pass the Morrison Government's $130 billion JobKeeper wage subsidy tomorrow after changes agreed last night between IR Minister Christian Porter and ACTU secretary Sally McManus.
The FWC's minimum pay panel has extended the annual wage review timetable so it can factor the latest national accounts data into assessing the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, but is yet to decide whether "exceptional circumstances" warrant a delay in the operative date.
Porter rejects McManus model for JobKeeper casuals; Legislation only sure way to change awards, agreements, says Porter; Parliamentary library paper considers coronavirus wage subsidy programs; Analysis weighs up JobKeeper; Non-parties excluded from Federal Court "law search"; and McManus discusses JobKeeper, coronavirus measures.
IR Minister Christian Porter has sought to address unions' concerns about proposed JobKeeper changes to the Fair Work Act to deal with the coronavirus crisis, saying they will apply for only six months, but maintains that the Government is determined to pass the legislation on Wednesday
The ACTU is pressing crossbenchers to oppose the Morrison Government's proposal to amend the Fair Work Act to temporarily provide more flexibility in awards and agreements to deal with the coronavirus crisis when it legislates the JobKeeper wage subsidy program this week.
Canberra asks FWC wage panel to maintain jobs; PM urges employers to take JobKeeper "guarantee" to their banks; Opposition raises JobKeeper issues with Government; FWC floating new coronavirus statutory declaration requirements; and Coronavirus crisis no time for AMMA proposal, says Porter.
"Free" childcare might not keep council centres open, warns union; 'Virtual picket line' to support extending wage subsidy; Unsighted lawyer ordered to take practice management course.
The ACTU has resisted employer arguments to delay any rise in minimum pay, while it has accepted that the annual wage review timetable should be amended to enable the expert panel to consider national accounts data that is likely to identify the early economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
