After talks with the Democrats about the Cole Royal Commission's final report, the Government believes it can win passage of a "substantial" reform package for the building and construction industry, according to Workplace Relations Minister Tony Abbott.
The general president of the CFMEU (mining & energy division), Tony Maher, has accused the federal AWU of betrayal following revelations it is negotiating a federal consent award with Rio Tinto companies Hamersley Iron and Robe River.
In a critical labour hire ruling, the AIRC has found it has the power to find a dispute with a host employer, despite the lack of a direct employment relationship.
FMP lockout goes before AIRC; 19% over three years pay rise offer for parliamentary staff; NDC agreement certified; Unions intensify "vote no" campaign at Channel 7; and O'Briens dispute rolls on.
The revamped Franklins supermarket chain and the SDA have struck a new national agreement that provides 5,000 employees new career paths and a 6% increase over 15 months, while clothing chain Portmans has struck a new short term deal with the union.
In a major development in the Pilbara that is inflaming inter-union rivalries, Rio Tinto companies Hamersley Iron and Robe River are in the final stages of negotiating a federal consent award with the AWU.
In a decision clarifying when the AIRC should cease dealing with disputes where employees are covered by State awards of agreements, the AIRC has rejected arguments by Smith's Snackfood Company that it should bow out before a dispute finding is made.
Massive OHS fine for Abigroup; Survey says wage growth to decline to 3.75% in the 2003-04 financial year; Employers slow to adopt formal anti-bullying policies; and CFMEU's Brian Miller dies.
Only one in every three solicitors or barristers employed by law firms are women, while employment in law firms has grown by 18% in the past three years, according to the ABS.