Jurisdiction page 674 of 676

In starkly contrasting positions, the AiG says that IR reform is the number-one priority for business leaders, while the ACTU counters that labour laws are neither the cause nor the solution to productivity problems.

O'Neill launches investigation into former TCFU branch; FWC fair hearings practice note commences; and Parham to deliver third workplace relations lecture series address.

The Coalition has been cautioned about its plans to set up a registered organisations commission if it wins office by an IR academic who says a similar body established by the Thatcher Government received an underwhelming response.

The federal government's Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013 is through the House of Representatives with its right of entry provisions intact but with its bullying provisions delayed by six months and no expanded arbitration for greenfields bargaining or intractable disputes.

The BCA has called for an IR framework that provides for direct engagement between employers and employees, and a Productivity Commission inquiry into Australia's IR system.

BHP Billiton has warned the federal government that it would be making "an unreasonable and unnecessary incursion" into business decisions if it proceeds with its proposal to extend the right to request flexible working arrangements, while new requirements to consult over roster changes would hamper the "agility" required by employers to respond to changes in operational needs or customer demands.

The Federal Court has stayed a $300,000 Federal Magistrates Court penalties and backpay order against a call centre, while imposing a conditional security payment, acknowledging the employer's chances of a successful appeal are "not strong".

A prison officer has failed to win reinstatement after being summarily dismissed for impersonating a co-worker by sending an email from the colleague's account to his entire department, inviting other "homosexuals" to contact him.

The Fair Work Commission has said it will renew entry permits for six CFMEU construction and general division organisers who have all been involved in contraventions of industrial laws in the last five years, but has asked for declarations that they have not committed any further indiscretions since their applications were lodged.

Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten has today committed to introducing new laws that will enable bullying victims to seek rapid redress through the Fair Work Commission.