Over the next 15 years the nation should abolish the FWC and modern awards, set the minimum wage "as low as is politically feasible" and let the welfare system top up earnings, according to a new paper from an influential free market think tank.
The AMWU will gather in Sydney next week to consider major structural changes and a renewed membership drive targeting motor mechanics and those in manufacturing front office roles.
The NUW and MEAA are among the first unions to change their rules to accept no or low-fee community and associate members since the ACTU's call to transform their membership models by adopting "radical thinking".
ACTU television commercial highlights penalty rates, internships; New executive director for HR Nicholls Society; Alleged ISIS-sympathiser's dismissal case in FWC tomorrow; FWBC warns of fines for construction workers attending CFMEU mass meeting "without permission"; Re-run for botched Federal Police union election; "Unfinished business" in quest for safe rates, TWU council hears; and Sharing economy" a misnomer, TWU forum hears.
Unions are considering a push into new areas, offering online campaigning and basic services that would cost workers $1 to $2 a week, under a radical plan to rebuild membership density.
ACTU secretary Dave Oliver says unions need to adopt "radical thinking" when it comes to union mergers and alternative membership models, citing his AFL club's "seven different types of membership" as one potential template.
The AMWU is experiencing membership losses that threaten its future, according to a confidential review of the union led by former ACTU secretary Greg Combet.
A dramatic drop in membership helped push the AWU's Queensland branch to a $1.6 million loss in 2014-15, with its auditors expressing "material uncertainty" over its ability to continue as a going concern.
