Unions and employers are embracing the use of rapid antigen testing as it ramps up in some industries, but questions remain around cost, access, administration and how it should fit with other measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at work.
The CPSU has stepped up its criticism of the Morrison Government's public sector wages policy, saying it demands that workers sign up to "unknown" pay rises beyond the first year of new enterprise deals.
A parliamentary inquiry into the future of the working week will probe questions such as whether the disruption caused by COVID-19 has created an opportunity and impetus for introducing a four-day week.
The Morrison Government has refused to budge on employer calls to indemnify businesses that encourage workplace vaccinations and to provide federal support for those who mandate inoculations, while AMMA has warned of the looming "elephant in the room".
IR Minister and Attorney-General Michaelia Cash says a meeting this morning between government agencies, employers and unions will focus on how businesses can comply with COVID-19 work, health and safety obligations, "including without mandating the vaccine".
Unions are questioning gaps in government support payments for aviation workers engaged as labour hire or in receipt of Centrelink allowances, while Jetstar looks to have staved off a dispute over its ability to implement mid-roster stand downs.
The AMWU has objected to what fruit and vegetable processor SPC today described as the country's first mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy for its workforce, leaving the door open to possible legal action.
Higher-paid hospitality workers appear set to have their overtime and penalty payments rolled up into loaded rates after a FWC full bench yesterday provisionally supported employers' push to vary the sector's award.
Higher-paid hospitality workers' overtime and penalty payments would be rolled up into loaded rates under an award variation proposed by employers in response to COVID-19's impact on the industry.
