The ACTU is seeking to build opposition to cutting weekend penalty rates through a mass door-knock in marginal seats across Australia in mid-September, while employer associations are pushing crossbench senators to back the Government's bill to re-establish the ABCC.
Five waterfront workers have been awarded a total of $120,000 in compensation for the emotional distress they suffered after the MUA named them in "scab posters" that had them fearing for their safety.
The Federal Circuit Court has fined construction company Baulderstone $25,000 for taking adverse action against a worker who resigned his CFMEU membership, along with $7000 in penalties for two HR managers who were carrying out orders and failed to "exercise their choice" to refuse to comply.
The Productivity Commission has called for the FWC in its four-yearly review of awards to align Sunday penalty rates in hospitality, entertainment, restaurants and cafes with those payable on Saturdays.
The Productivity Commission in its draft IR inquiry report, released this morning, has recommended the 100% Sunday penalty rates for cafes, hospitality, entertainment, restaurants and retailing be aligned with Saturday rates.
The FWC has compensated a senior HR consultant after her employer conducted a flawed investigation into suspicions she had copied confidential information to help start her own business.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has revealed it is investigating "serious allegations" of cartel conduct in the ACT that have been aired in the Heydon Royal Commission, while police have charged a royal commission witness with perjury.
An FWC full bench has highlighted the importance of scrutinising the "totality of material" lodged to support the approval of agreements, after it quashed a deal that was passed despite "inconsistent" declarations from a HR manager about compliance with mandatory pre-approval steps.
Former CFMEU official Ben Loakes' claims the union conspired to have him sacked have been rejected by the FWC after it found the official's evidence did not stand up to "any scrutiny".
The AWU faces a substantial damages bill after the Federal Court ruled today that the union took adverse action against Esso Australia when its members undertook unprotected industrial action in March, including using the action to coerce Esso into changing its bargaining position.
