CSL has fended off interim orders that would have halted negotiations for a new deal for workers at a flagship vaccine-making facility due to start operating in 2026, after unions raised concerns that a leaked internal document revealed plans to undermine existing pay and conditions.
The FWC has delayed the start of consultations on the job security element of its modern awards review until February 27 and has made it clear that any broader issues regarding the construction of the Secure Jobs amendments is a separate full bench matter.
A labour law academic has suggested it is time to get creative with awards covering highly feminised industries and move on from the idea of a mere safety net, contrasting the 1960s professional engineers case with the current plight of early childhood education and care workers.
A federal government department has failed to convince the FWC that Australia's "access to democracy" could be under threat if it is not given more time to prepare for potential strike action.
FWC president Adam Hatcher has dismissed ACTU concerns that it won't have enough time to assess research into gender pay equity ahead of the annual wage review, observing that he did not expect that every issue would be dealt with "to finality" in one fell swoop.
Workplace Relations Minister Tony Burke intends to amend the Closing Loopholes No 2 legislation so that "employee-like" workers in the gig economy and in road transport cannot "double-dip" in the federal and state IR systems.
A senior FWC member has delved into arbitral history to offer his own definition of a 'seven day shiftworker' after expressing frustration that there is no "simple" or "unambiguous" description of the term in the many awards it is employed.
The FWC is seeking feedback by March 12 on the possible incorporation into modern awards of key recommendations of the recent Senate work and care inquiry, including rights to work from home and to disconnect from the workplace.
The ACTU says the FWC should conduct a "comprehensive assessment" of gender-based undervaluation of work, rather than seek to finalise the issue in this year's minimum wage review.
Days after FWC President Adam Hatcher excoriated a paid IR agent for its handling of an adverse action case, the Commission has announced that he will lead a working group aimed at ensuring such representatives act ethically, honestly and in the best interests of clients when appearing before the tribunal.
