ALP’s return to ‘olden days’ of industrial relations

Master Builders Australia chief executive Denita Wawn says the proposed code would “decisively tilt the balance toward militancy and away from productivity” The Australian,  April 2, 2021 Employers have attacked Labor’s promise to scrap the construction industry regulator and federal building code, warning the changes would undermine the economic recovery and leave companies “at the mercy of militant unlawful unions”. …

Coronavirus: Workplace rules ‘a win for anti-vaxxers’

Council of Small Business ­Organisations of Australia chief executive Peter Strong. Picture: AAPThe Australian, February 22, 2021 Small business has criticised new federal guidance on workplace vaccinations, claiming it “favours anti-vaxxers” and puts too much legal responsibility on employers and their staff. The concerns came as the ACTU called for workers at high risk of exposure to COVID-19, ­including supermarket …

WA businesses fear the end of JobKeeper

The West Australian,  11 February 2021 Renee Bennett, who is the Managing Director of Encanta, an event management company established over 25 years agoIan Munro 21/07/2020 WA businesses say some industries are “falling through the cracks” and fear the end of JobKeeper in a little more than six weeks will cause financial pain. Renee Bennett, owner and managing director of …

How Albanese would transform business if elected PM: Robert Gottliebsen

Anthony Albanese wants to improve protections for workers who miss out on sick and holiday leave or superannuation. Picture: Dan PeledThe Australian,  February 12, 2021 If Anthony Albanese becomes the 31st Australian prime minister at the next election he plans to totally transform the way business is conducted in Australia. And although Albanese uses different words his revolutionary plan is …

Labor IR proposals reignite war with business

Financial Review, Feb 10, 2021 – 7.56pm Business has universally condemned a raft of proposals by Labor to combat insecure work, one of which the Morrison government claims could amount to a $20 billion impost on employers.“That would be an extinction-level event for tens of thousands of Australian businesses,” said Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter of the proposal to design …

Bosses pan ALP’s gig workers’ leave plan

Australian Industry Group chief executive Innes Willox.The Australian, February 10, 2021 Employers say Labor’s portable leave policy could result in a “very large” levy on business, as the ALP acknowledged its plan to lift the pay of gig economy workers could result in increased costs to consumers. Under changes outlined on Wednesday, Anthony Albanese said Labor in office would work …

Anthony Albanese’s ‘Accord’ for gig workers

Anthony Albanese will promise to guarantee that labour hire workers doing the same job as direct employees are entitled to the same pay. Picture: Gary RamageThe Australian, February 2021 Gig economy workers would be entitled to minimum pay and conditions and “job security” legislated as a key objective of the Fair Work Act, under Labor’s new industrial relations policy that …

Labor decides on IR as pre-election battleground

Financial Review, Feb 2, 2021 – 7.50pm Federal Labor has opted for a fight on industrial relations and will oppose the government’s omnibus bill of reforms, a move the government says will result in Labor voting against measures such as criminalising wage theft and terminating workplace agreements left over from WorkChoices. On Tuesday, the Labor caucus resolved unanimously to oppose …

New IR policy, but Labor keeps mum on climate target

Labor Leader Anthony Albanese and new energy spokesman Chris Bowen. Picture: Sean Dav  The Australiaan, January 31, 2021 Opposition energy spokesman Chris Bowen has refused to outline Labor’s 2030 or 2035 emissions reduction targets, as he says the opposition cannot just adopt Scott Morrison’s climate policy. Mr Bowen — who took on the climate change portfolio in Anthony Albanese’s sweeping …

Employers push for loaded rates in face of strong union opposition

Financial Review, Jan 28, 2021 Restaurants and cafes have stayed clear of weekend penalty rates in response to Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter’s push for a single-loaded rate in distressed industry awards, while registered clubs are pushing for all-in rates without any requirement to audit them. Hospitality groups put forward their proposals for award flexibility on Thursday as the Australian …