Yesterday
Employers want workers to trade penalty rates for work from home
A peak business group has launched a hotly contested case which would allow employees to waive award rules when they work remotely.
July
Chevron hit by record pay claims as ‘same job’ laws hit oil and gas
The energy giant’s Gorgon LNG plant is facing “same job, same pay” claims upwards of $80,000 a year in a test case that could flow onto Shell, Woodside and Inpex.
Employers furious over small business IR review ‘charade’
Businesses and crossbenchers have blasted the government’s long-awaited report into potentially expanding exemptions after it opted to make no recommendations.
June
John Setka exposed to steep penalties after court no shows
The former CFMEU Victoria boss has been given 10 days to respond or face judgment over claims he tried to force the AFL to sack its head of umpires.
March
Non-compete clauses banned for workers earning less than $175k
Workers in childcare, construction and hairdressing are among those set to benefit from a new ban on employment non-compete clauses.
February
Ex-union boss Setka taken to court for threatening AFL umpire
Workplace watchdog launches legal action against former CFMEU secretary for allegedly trying to coerce the AFL into sacking its head of umpires.
Why Australia’s Fair Work Act changes hurt housing
The new rules are sinking jobs and businesses, and mean more expensive housing and an explosion in innovation that could create the very real risk of no building industry
January
Luxury island retreat underpaid staff by more than $20m
The operators of Hamilton Island’s leisure facilities have agreed to backpay thousands of employees, admitting to almost a decade of underpayment.
Assault on retail penalty rates may spread to other jobs: ACTU
A major push to simplify the retail award, backed by Coles, Woolworths, 7-Eleven and Mecca, has sparked union fears of a broader attack on penalty rates.
December 2024
Sacked Qantas workers win record $120m compensation payout
The Transport Workers Union has won compensation for 1700 baggage handlers and ground workers more than four years after they were illegally sacked.
November 2024
NAB allegedly withdrew job offer after finding out woman was pregnant
National Australia Bank allegedly withdrew a job offer because it found out that the woman it had offered the role to was pregnant.
CFMEU rally throws down gauntlet despite smaller turnout
A rogue CFMEU delegate called on workers to ignore messages from the union’s administrator, while a Greens MP praised protesters for “not listening” to his warnings.
October 2024
CFMEU mass walkouts endorsed at secret construction site meeting
Delegates are holding meetings at NSW government construction sites to vote on industrial action to protest against the union’s administration.
Labor accused of backtracking on small business IR review
Workplace Relations Minister Murray Watt flatly refuses to expand the scope of the Fair Work Act’s definition, “making a mockery” of a Labor crossbench deal.
September 2024
Labor says CFMEU situation is under control. But look on the streets
The CFMEU rallies are the obvious signs of turmoil behind the scenes as a government-appointed administrator struggles to deal with union threats.
August 2024
Former Tabcorp boss alleges bookmaker made a ‘coffin’ for his exit
The company’s chairman, Bruce Akhurst, allegedly gave Adam Rytenskild only hours to decide whether to quit or be fired, the Fair Work Commission heard.
Fair Work names CFMEU administrator, seeks extraordinary powers
The FWC has chosen a senior barrister to administer the union and wants to give him sweeping powers to follow dirty money and sack officials. The CFMEU says it’s taking legal advice.
Bogus email address shows Jacinta Allan’s CFMEU crackdown is a joke
The Victorian premier’s snap review of alleged criminal activity in the construction industry went 11 days without so much as an email address for whistleblowers to use. Until The Australian Financial Review asked about it.
July 2024
Albanese is responsible for the monster that is the CFMEU
A friendly political environment created by the Labor government allows the lawless union to thrive.
Why the construction industry needs its own cop
The ABCC was a highly successful regulator, and its disbandment by the Labor government emboldened the law-breaking construction union.