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Latest News
September 2010 |
Women’s pay catches up with men … 66 days late
Saturday marks Equal Pay Day, held 66 days after the end of the financial year, to acknowledge the moment when women will finally have earned the same amount, on average, that men earn in a year.
03 September 2010 [ full story ]
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Campaigning for fairness at work in New Zealand
On August 16 2010 the New Zealand Government introduced two new Bills to Parliament to drastically change employment law in New Zealand. If passed the changes will take away workers' rights, remove protections, cut pay, reduce holidays and diminish access to sick leave.
02 September 2010 [ full story ]
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Spark & Cannon Agreement 2010 – your VOTE your say
The Spark & Cannon Draft Agreement has been issued by management and now subject to a ballot of staff. The offer is for a three (3) year agreement. Employee bargaining reps were not satisfied with the final outcome but now it is time for you to decide.
01 September 2010 [ full story ]
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August 2010 |
Qantas reveals more detail on Claims
The ASU National Negotiating team met with Qantas for our 9th meeting on the 19th August. At that meeting Qantas finally presented more detail on their claims. Your NNT are very cautious about what has been proposed; from cashing out of annual leave to the increased use of temporary employees. Qantas’ ‘flexibility’ comes at the expense of a permanent workforce and work-life balance.
25 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Historic move towards ‘just transition’ to green transport
Transport workers must take responsibility for tackling climate change, participants at a historic meeting said earlier this month. The calls came at the ITF’s first-ever climate change conference, held in Mexico City on the eve of Congress, in which speakers urged the ITF to develop sustainable means to achieve emission reductions from the transport industry.
25 August 2010 [ full story ]
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‘We want our Staff Travel’ – QHols delegates tell Qantas Management
The long awaited meeting with Qantas senior management took place in Sydney on 18th August 2010 to discuss our key EBA demands arising from the proposed Stella-Jetset Travelworld merger.
24 August 2010 [ full story ]
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What the three parties are saying on trade policy
With the Federal election well and truly underway it is important to look at what each of the major parties is proposing on Trade Policy. For this article we look at the Coalition, ALP and Greens policies on Trade and put them to the test.
20 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Farcical Liberal industrial relations “policy” treats working Australians with contempt
Tony Abbott has again showed today that he cannot be trusted by working Australians by refusing to release a detailed industrial relations policy before people vote. He has also refused to rule out changes to IR regulations.
20 August 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU-PSI Utility Bulletin - July 2010
The current edition includes the following items: Resolution passes supporting human right to water and sanitation; International Solidarity Levy (ISL); APEC launches new cross-border data privacy initiative; UN International Youth Day; Forum on smart infrastructure; Mexican Govt dismissed workers of electricity company and disbanded union; Japan to test trade in sewage water; Iraqi electricity unions have been shut down on ministerial orders; plus more.
19 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Past, present and future – remember them all when you vote on Aug 21
When we wrote to our supporters in the lead up to the 2007 election, there was a lot at stake. Many Australians had been suffering under the Draconian WorkChoices regime that had cut pay and conditions, and refused workers a fair go. Our voices back then joined to give a resounding “NO” to the Howard Government and to give a new Federal Government the opportunity to rebuild our trust.
18 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Mr Abbott needs to guarantee Tax Office funding
The Australian Services Union (ASU) today warned that Coalition policy will substantially reduce the Australian Tax Office’s ability to collect the taxes needed to fund Tony Abbott’s election promises.
18 August 2010 [ full story ]
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More than half-a-million Queensland workers could be hit hard by Liberals’ workplace plans
Unions are conducting an urgent series of workplace meetings across the State this week to remind Queenslanders about the risk of a return to WorkChoices and job cuts under the Coalition. Both ACTU President Ged Kearney and ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence are focussing the last week of the election campaign on workplace meetings in Brisbane and regional Queensland.
17 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Fair Work Australia finds in favour of ASU at NCR
Fair Work Australia (FWA) has today released their decision in the case the ASU took against NCR for not bargaining in good faith.
16 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Call for solidarity with Pakistan
Pakistan is experiencing the worst flooding in 80 years, and 14 million people have already been affected. The rain is still falling. The number of people that have already been affected exceeds the combined total for the 2004 Asian tsunami, the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir and this year’s earthquake in Haiti.
16 August 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU supports the call for the Australian Government to maintain the stimulus spending in local government
The ASU has supported the call by the President of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) for the maintenance of Federal Government stimulus spending in local councils across the country.
16 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Liberals’ silence on IR is deafening: just what has Tony Abbott promised big business?
The big business and employer wish list for changes that would reduce rights at work lifts the lid on what Tony Abbott and the Liberal Party have planned if they win the 2010 election, say unions. Although Mr Abbott has sought to keep his industrial relations agenda out of the spotlight during the election campaign, the public statements of employer and business groups speak volumes, said ACTU Secretary Jeff Lawrence.
16 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Federal Minister signs pledge to support equal pay for community workers
The Australian Services Union (ASU) has applauded the Minister for Community Services Jenny Macklin as she pledged to work with her party to ensure that organisations have the funds they need to meet the costs of equal pay without the need to cut services in the social and community sector.
13 August 2010 [ full story ]
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It’s time to consider our Jetstar EBA 4 Claims
Many of you have already helped us prepare for the negotiation of the ASU Jetstar EBA 4 by filling in and returning the ASU’s Jetstar EBA 4 survey. The survey provided vital information for the development of our draft claim, which will guide our negotiations for better pay and better working conditions for our members.
13 August 2010 [ full story ]
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August 12 is United Nations International Youth Day
August 12 is United Nations International Youth Day. As the fall-out from the global economic crisis continues, Public Services International (PSI) takes the opportunity to underline the importance of policy measures to secure decent work for young people and ensure that a generation of young workers do not end up in a cycle of unemployment, under-employment and precarious jobs.
12 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Barnett and Abbott hiding secret plan to bring back WorkChoices for West Australian workers
The West Australian Liberal leader Colin Barnett and his federal counterpart Tony Abbott are hiding a secret plan to bring back WorkChoices for West Australian workers, say unions. More than 300,000 West Australian workers are in danger of losing penalty rates, overtime pay, public holiday pay and their protection from unfair dismissal from the WA Government’s planned industrial relations changes.
09 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Qantas – Its Premium for some But NOT Others!
The ASU National negotiating team met with Qantas representatives on Wednesday 4 August for Round 8 of negotiations for EBA 9.
09 August 2010 [ full story ]
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WorkChoices - “The Great Debate” in Colac (VIC)
ACTU President Ged Kearney will moderate a panel comprising the federal election candidates for the Seat of Corangamite on August 11 to discuss workplace policies. All welcome!
06 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Time for Tony Abbott to tell Australians the truth - where is his IR policy?
Tony Abbott must begin answering some basic questions about his plans for Australian workplaces. The Liberal Party’s failure to still release an industrial relations policy halfway into the election campaign is a re-run of the deception of the Howard Government over WorkChoices, says the ACTU.
04 August 2010 [ full story ]
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International transport workers set climate change agenda
Transport workers will take responsibility for tackling climate change as representatives of hundreds of trade unions meet at a groundbreaking conference in Mexico City this week. This one day event, solely dedicated to finding strategies for fairer, more sustainable and less polluting transport, will then feed into the ITF (International Transport Workers’ Federation) four-yearly congress, which begins the following day.
04 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA Sydney Dinner on 29 Sept
This year's annual Sydney dinner will be held on 29 September 2010. Funds raised by the dinner enable Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA to continue vocational training, health training and HIV/AIDS prevention, and workers rights training around the world.
03 August 2010 [ full story ]
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New report shows quality of workers' family life is getting worse: businesses and govt must do more
A new national approach by businesses and governments is needed to improve work-family balance for employees, say unions. The Work and Life Index 2010 released today shows the quality of family life for more than two million Australian workers is getting worse.
03 August 2010 [ full story ]
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ASUnet news … all the news from July 2010
Industrial relations legislation, regulations and policies have a very significant impact on the lives of workers. Their shape is determined by the political party that forms government. That's why the ASU takes a serious interest in election campaigns and that's why we have prepared a web page of resources for our members and supporters so that you can get informed.
02 August 2010 [ full story ]
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A tale of two governments: which one will protect your rights at work?
Industrial relations legislation, regulations and policies have a very significant impact on the lives of workers. Their shape is determined by the political party that forms government. That's why the ASU takes a serious interest in election campaigns and that's why we have prepared a web page of resources for our members and supporters so that you can get informed.
02 August 2010 [ full story ]
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Stark choice for workers on super, WorkChoices, health & education highlighted by new union ads
Labor’s plan to create a new low-cost ‘MySuper’ default account and boost the retirement incomes of average workers by up to $150,000 raise the stakes for working Australians in this election say unions.
01 August 2010 [ full story ]
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July 2010 |
ASU donates heart defibrillator to Cairns Airport
From this week Cairns Airport will be a safer place for people with heart trouble, thanks to the presence of an on-site defibrillator donated by the Australian Services Union (ASU).
30 July 2010 [ full story ]
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Welcome to UN Women
In an historic move, the United Nations General Assembly voted unanimously on 2 July 2010 to create a new entity to accelerate progress in meeting the needs of women and girls worldwide.
29 July 2010 [ full story ]
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Abbott and Liberals exposed as having no plan to close the pay gap for working women
The pay equity gap between men and women would not be closed by the Liberal Opposition which is more interested in exploiting it to reduce the cost of its unrealistic paid parental leave scheme. This lack of concern by the Coalition for the important issue of pay equity is of particular relevance to all Australian Services Union (ASU) members but in particular the ASU members working in the social and community services sector who have been campaigning for pay equity for a number of years.
27 July 2010 [ full story ]
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ASUshop election gear
Three years ago the ASU in conjunction with the ACTU harnessed broad community support to get rid of WorkChoices - and succeeded. The result was the Labor Government’s Fair Work laws, which have restored many workers’ rights. These changes are a good first step but more needs to be done in a range of areas – especially for construction workers and people on awards.
26 July 2010 [ full story ]
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Clear majority of voters do not trust Tony Abbott on IR laws; new TV ads begin today
Almost three in four Australians do not trust Tony Abbott’s statements that he would not change workplace laws if he became Prime Minister, according to a new national poll.
25 July 2010 [ full story ]
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Liberals can do much more than ‘tweak’ Fair Work laws and can’t be trusted
Community volunteers took to the streets of Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane this morning in a blitz to inform morning commuters of the almost 200 ways in which Tony Abbott could change Fair Work laws and allow aspects of WorkChoices to be slipped in through the back door.
22 July 2010 [ full story ]
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Discussions continue for Qantas EBA 9
The National Negotiating Team met with Qantas on 13 July 2010. We continued to discuss a number of our claims with the company. Here is a summary.
21 July 2010 [ full story ]
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Australian jobs need to be protected from unregulated offshoring
The Australian Services Union (ASU) recently made a Senate submission in support of proposed legislation, the ‘Keeping Jobs from Going Offshore (Protection of Personal Information) Bill 2009’, that would reduce offshoring in the services industry. Offshoring occurs when companies outsource an in-house service or contract to a company overseas, functions that were previously delivered in Australia.
20 July 2010 [ full story ]
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Abbott’s “tweaks” leave back door open for worst of WorkChoices to return
The worst of WorkChoices could return to Australian workplaces through changes to regulations and ‘tweaks’ that do not require legislative amendment.
20 July 2010 [ full story ]
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ASUnet news … all the news from June 2010 onwards
1. Enrol or update your enrolment: URGENT if you are not enrolled, you have until 8pm today (Monday 19 July) to get your form in to the AEC. If you need to make a change to your enrolment, you have until 8pm on Thursday 22 July. Click here for everything you need to enrol or update on the AEC website. 2. Vote to protect your rights at work: With the Liberal-Nationals flip-flopping all over the place, we’re advising ASU members and friends that the risk of a return to unfair workplace laws is just too great with an Abbott Government.
19 July 2010 [ full story ]
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Abbott is changing his tune on WorkChoices just to "win an election"
Liberal leader Tony Abbott’s stated position on the reintroduction of WorkChoices changes from minute to minute and shows working Australians cannot trust anything he says.
19 July 2010 [ full story ]
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1. Enrol, 2. Vote - Federal election season is now upon us
(1) Enrol or update your enrolment: URGENT if you are not enrolled, you have until 8pm today (Monday 19 July) to get your form in to the AEC. If you need to make a change to your enrolment, you have until 8pm on Thursday 22 July. Click here for everything you need to enrol or update on the AEC website. (2) Vote to protect your rights at work: With the Liberal-Nationals flip-flopping all over the place, we're advising ASU members and friends that the risk of a return to unfair workplace laws is just too great with an Abbott Government.
19 July 2010 [ full story ]
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Rights for working Australians is key issue for 2010 election
This federal election is about the rights of all working Australians and the threat of a future return to WorkChoices under the Coalition, say unions.
17 July 2010 [ full story ]
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Qantas Holidays EBA meetings continue separately
The ASU Qantas Holidays reps met with the Qantas Holidays management on 17 and 30 June 2010.
09 July 2010 [ full story ]
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Toll Dnata Ramp and Cargo Agreement out to vote
The Toll Dnata Airport Services Pty Ltd Ramp and Cargo Enterprise Agreement 2010 – 2013 has now been presented to you by management to consider prior to voting.
08 July 2010 [ full story ]
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Qantas tables a big EBA agenda
Since our last bulletin your ASU National Negotiating Team have met with Qantas management on 16 June and 1 July.
05 July 2010 [ full story ]
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June 2010 |
Congratulations to Sharan Burrow on her election to head the global union movement
Australian unions warmly congratulate ACTU President Sharan Burrow on her election as the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). Ms Burrow was elected to head the global union body at its Congress in Vancouver overnight.
26 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Unions pledge to work closely with Julia Gillard, acknowledge Labor’s achievements under Rudd
Australian unions have pledged to work closely with Julia Gillard as Prime Minister and are united in preventing a return to the Coalition and its disastrous WorkChoices policy.
24 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Here’s the truth on mining: profits have grown by more than eight times wages
Big mining companies have not been telling the Australian public the truth and should admit that they are making astronomical profits and can afford to pay more tax.
24 June 2010 [ full story ]
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International Annual Survey of Trade Union Rights - 101 trade unionists murdered in 2009
The ITUC’s Annual Survey of Trade Union Rights has documented a dramatic increase in the number of trade unionists murdered in 2009, with 101 killings – an increase of 30% over the previous year. The Survey, released earlier this month, also reveals growing pressure on fundamental workers’ rights around the world as the impact of the global economic crisis on employment deepened.
23 June 2010 [ full story ]
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NAIDOC Week 2010: Unsung Heroes - Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way
NAIDOC Week 2010 is being held 4-11 July. It is a time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC is celebrated not only in Indigenous communities, but by Australians from all walks of life and the ASU encourages members to take part.
23 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Agreement over broadband network roll-out is good for jobs and national infrastructure
The Heads of Agreement signed yesterday between Telstra and the National Broadband Network Company is good news for jobs in Australia’s communications industry and good news for our national infrastructure says the ACTU and the CEPU.
21 June 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU thrilled at Victorian Brumby Government announcement for SACS workers
After years of campaigning, the Australian Services Union is thrilled at today’s announcement of the Victorian Brumby Government’s support for the Equal Pay claim for social and community services (SACS) workers across Victoria.
19 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Correction: Passage of amended paid parental leave scheme is one step closer to historic achievement for Australia’s working mums
The passing of an amended parent leave scheme by the Senate today is another step closer to the culmination of a 30-year campaign by working women and their unions, say unions.
17 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Dispute to be heard by Fair Work Australia on Canon subcontracting to CSG Communications Pty Ltd
A dispute has been lodged with Fair Work Australia regarding the transmission of Technicians from Canon Australia Pty Ltd to CSG Communications Pty Ltd (CSG). ASU Delegates and officials have been seeking all of the necessary information from Canon to determine whether the jobs they will be transmitted to are of a similar or not less favourable nature.
15 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Australia needs a robust tax system with fair and efficient taxation of mining super profits
National organisations representing social and community sector, unions, environmental and consumer groups have called for the voices of ordinary Australians to be heard in a tax debate that has been dominated by powerful vested mining interests. [Joint statement by ACTU, ACOSS, ACF, CFA]
15 June 2010 [ full story ]
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25,000 Australians call on Senate to make history this week with a final vote for paid parental leave
More than 25,000 Australians have signed a community petition urging the Senate to vote this week in support of the nation’s first Paid Parental Leave scheme, so it can be up and running by the start of next year.
15 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Myer Stores Enterprise Agreement Survey
Myer staff would be aware that the Myer Stores Agreement 2007 will expire on 31 July 2010. Over the next few weeks the Australian Services Union (ASU), as the recognised bargaining representative for ASU members under the Fair Work Act, will be consulting with Myer members to assist with a survey in preparation for the bargaining process.
11 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Biggest action on equal pay since the Seventies
Thousands of equal pay supporters will rally across the country at 11am today to take part in Australia’s biggest equal pay march since the 1970s.
10 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Virgin Blue Ground Crew Agreement 2010 approved
Fair Work Australia (FWA) approved your agreement on the 1 June 2010.
08 June 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU-PSI Utility Bulletin - May 2010
The current edition includes the following items: International Solidarity Levy; Indonesian PLN Union campaigning against a new law on electricity privatisation; PSI Gives ADB ‘Very Poor’ Score in Madya Pradesh Power Project; ADB loan to Cambodia Power Transmission Lines; Intelligent Infrastructure; United Utilities agrees to sell United Utilities Australia to a Consortium led by Mitsubishi Corporation; plus more.
08 June 2010 [ full story ]
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More Qantas ASU EBA claims tabled
The ASU national negotiations team met again with Qantas management in Sydney on 4 June 2010 for Day 3 of our EBA 9 negotiations. At this meeting we tabled almost all of our remaining detailed claims. Qantas Holidays EBA representatives also met the Qantas Holidays / Jetset Travelworld Group management on 2 June 2010 in Sydney.
08 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Compulsory wearing of lifejackets will save rock fisher lives
The Australian Professional Ocean Lifeguard Association (APOLA), whose members are council employees that protect our local government beaches (the ASU is the Union for these professionals), has provided the following advice to the ASU. We are now re-circulating their media release as a community announcement.
07 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Historic day of action for Equal Pay
Thousands of equal pay supporters will rally across the country at 11am this Thursday June 10 to take part in Australia’s biggest equal pay march since the 1970s.
07 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Working Australians get a $26 a week dividend for end of WorkChoices
Today’s pay decision from Fair Work Australia for 1.4 million award-dependent workers breaks the drought after a wage freeze of almost two years under the Howard Government’s wage-setting tribunal.
03 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Auscript Agreement 2010 – your VOTE your say
The Auscript Draft Agreement has been finalised by management and will soon be subject to a ballot of Staff. The offer is for a three year agreement. The ASU sought to negotiate the best outcome possible but now it is time for you to decide.
03 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Free our water
Last year, the ASU called for local councils throughout Australia to provide greater public access to free water facilities to encourage less dependence on water sold in plastic disposable bottles. An entertaining and enlightening online video published this year is helping to tell the story of why saying "no" to bottled water is a good idea.
03 June 2010 [ full story ]
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ASUnet news … all the news from April-May 2010
It’s been an interesting few weeks in politics with some extraordinary statements being made and a lot of mud slinging going on. At the ASU, because our job is advocating for workers, we’re listening intently in the lead up to the federal election so we can advise you of what’s on offer to best protect your rights at work. Stay tuned…
02 June 2010 [ full story ]
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Coalition forced to accept Paid Parental Leave scheme, ending decades of opposition
Australian families will be relieved by Tony Abbott’s decision to drop his long-held opposition to a universal paid parental leave scheme which will provide 18 weeks support for working mums from the start of 2011, say unions.
02 June 2010 [ full story ]
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10 facts on NCR & the Fair Work Act
NCR would have you think that they are above the law. NCR says they do not want to bargain with Customer Engineers. The Fair Work Act says otherwise.
02 June 2010 [ full story ]
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May 2010 |
Public Services Bulletin - 31 May 2010
This edition contains the following items: Council Recycling; National Early Childhood Education and Child Care Workforce Census; ASU national electricity / energy industry division meets in Adelaide; Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government; 2010 National Local Government Workforce Development Forum; Australian Energy Regulator; plus more.
31 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Waiting to meet with Canon
Canon and the ASU were to meet Monday 31 May 2010 at CSG in Brisbane. The meeting was scheduled to hear from Canon on their decision on the number of machines, the location of machines and the hours of work required by Technicians to service those machines and how they would go across to CSG.
31 May 2010 [ full story ]
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And now for the detail in Qantas EBA 9
The ASU National Negotiating Team met with Qantas management in Sydney on 26 May 2010 for Day 2 of our negotiations for Qantas EBA 9. The meeting primarily focussed on the tabling and explanation of our detailed claims for this EBA which included the presentation of draft EBA clauses to further explain the Claim endorsed by ASU members. We also dealt with a range of preliminary issues.
28 May 2010 [ full story ]
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IBM hacks into skilled workforce
Computer giant IBM has sacked a group of experienced and highly skilled workers whose job is to provide IT back-up to some of Australia’s biggest corporations, including Westpac.
28 May 2010 [ full story ]
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QHols delegates meet company
On 25 May 2010 ASU officials and delegates from Qantas Holidays and Jetset Travelworld met with various management representatives from Qantas Airways and Jetset Travel Group including Sue Bussell from Qantas Industrial Relations and Andrea Slarke, Chief Development Officer of Jetset Travelworld to discuss the recent announcement about the merger with the Stella Group.
27 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Air Niugini Enterprise Agreement 2009
After several months of negotiations the ASU negotiating team have negotiated a draft agreement with management.
25 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Pan Africa International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association, condemns the conviction and sentencing of Tiwonge and Steven in Malawi
Pan Africa ILGA joins all our global human rights organizations and especially the Malawian organization the Center for the Development of People (CEDEP) in condemning the conviction and harsh sentencing of 14 years imprisonment with hard labour by a Magistrate Court in Blantyre, Malawi of Tiwonge ("Tionge") Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza for "unnatural offences" and "indecent practices between males" under Sections 153 and 156 of the Malawi Penal Code.
24 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Women’s wage trails even further in 2010 - Equal Pay Day is September 4
The gender pay gap in Australian businesses has widened according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures released last week. ABS data shows that women’s average weekly earnings are now 82% of men’s, meaning that since this time last year the gap has widened by 0.8 of a percentage point. As a result of this pay gap, Australian women will have to work an extra 66 days than men to earn the same amount as men.
24 May 2010 [ full story ]
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2010 is the Year of Women in Local Government - latest news
As part of the campaign, regular news is being published on the campaign website. The latest eNews contains items on: Telstra Business Women’s Awards; What’s happening around the Country; 2010 Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter Awards; The Sally Isaac Women in Local Government Leadership Award; plus more.
21 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Good regional jobs and properly funded local services will solve Australia’s regional skills shortage
The ASU recently lodged a federal submission on the issue of skills shortages in regional Australia contending that people will relocate to regional communities for jobs with good pay and conditions supported by communities with properly funded local services. These skills shortages are currently having a dire effect on local government and public services in many parts of regional Australia, resulting in a downwards spiral. This has been exacerbated by workers moving to the lucrative mining industry as a result of the current resources boom, where incentives are much more attractive.
21 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Disaster for workers: Libs to block super, jeopardise parental leave and bring back WorkChoices
Shadow Treasurer Joe Hockey has today revealed the Liberals’ true colours with plans to deny millions of workers a lift in superannuation, jeopardise paid parental leave, and bring back WorkChoices, say unions.
19 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Minimum wage case hearing today: award workers must share in the economic recovery
A resurgent Australian economy with forecasts of strong GDP and jobs growth over the next two years makes the case for a decent rise to minimum wages even more compelling, say unions.
17 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Canon says time to subcontract
Despite Canon’s denials and rejections during bargaining that they would not transmit any business or contract out work, no sooner was the ink dry on the back pay arrangements and out comes the news.
17 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Employment rights leader calls a stop to political to-and-fro on workplace relations system
Sydney, 14 May 2010 – The President of the Australian Institute of Employment Rights (AIER), and one of Australia’s leading industrial lawyers, Michael Harmer, today called on all sides of politics to stop playing “political football” with the Australian workplace relations system ahead of the pending Federal election.
17 May 2010 [ full story ]
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ILGA publishes 2010 report on State sponsored homophobia throughout the world
ILGA, the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association publishes the 4th edition of its report and maps on State Sponsored Homophobia based on research by Daniel Ottosson. One sixth (1/6) of the LGBTI world population freer, thanks to India.
17 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Qantas EBA negotiations off to a flying start
After ASU delegates across Qantas served our EBA 9 claim on local managers on 5 May 2010, the ASU National Negotiating Team (NNT) had our first meeting with the management negotiators in Sydney on Thursday 13 May. We are off to a flying start after we provided the management negotiators with a detailed overview of the claims that ASU members have endorsed for EBA 9.
14 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Virgin Blue Ground Crew say YES!
The results are in for the Virgin Blue Ground Crew Agreement 2010 with 82.4% of you voting and 68% of you said YES!
13 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Broken promises all around at Qantas Holidays and uncertainty at QBT
Late on 12 May the Board of Jetset Travelworld Group announced a merger with Stella Travel Services after weeks of speculation that the deal was in the wind.
13 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Vale Jeff Shaw - unions pay tribute
The ASU and other unions have expressed sadness at the passing of Jeff Shaw, a leading light of the Labor movement in New South Wales.
12 May 2010 [ full story ]
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IBM agrees to bargain with the ASU
In a world first, IBM have agreed to bargain with the Australian Services Union for a collective agreement. Last night IBM issued a notice to all their Baulkham Hills (NSW) Flightdeck employees informing them that they intend to bargain for a collective agreement.
12 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Workers turn to unions for better pay: new ABS data shows lift in union membership
A lift in union membership in the past year shows working Australians are turning to unions to improve their pay and conditions. New ABS data released today shows there has been a lift in union membership of more than 82,000 workers and the proportion of the workforce in unions has increased from 19% to 20%.
12 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Budget is good news for working Australians with 450,000 new jobs as economy rebounds
The remarkable recovery of Australia’s jobs market with more than 450,000 new jobs to be created over the next two years is a testament to the Rudd Government’s economic management.
12 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Another Victory for ASU IBM members
ASU IBM members had another victory yesterday after IBM's application for a stay order on the Majority Support Determination issued by SP Drake of Fair Work Australia two weeks ago went down in a screaming heap.
11 May 2010 [ full story ]
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ASUshop new gear
The ASU 'union' t-shirts were originally launched at the ASU National Conference 2008 and sold out in weeks. Now, due to popular demand, we have more blue t-shirts back in stock in all sizes, including children's sizes (6-10).
11 May 2010 [ full story ]
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IBM to appeal its workers’ right to collectively bargain
The ASU NSW & ACT (Services) Branch recently won a determination by Fair Work Australia on behalf of IBM technical workers that they had the right to collectively bargain with their employer. IBM, which has a history of refusing to bargain collectively, is appealing the decision.
10 May 2010 [ full story ]
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Government changes to Fair Work regulations provide welcome new protections for award workers
Employers have been sent a strong message that they cannot rip off workers by using new awards to cut their pay, following changes to Fair Work regulations announced by the Government, say unions.
07 May 2010 [ full story ]
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UNISON LGBT e-bulletin - May 2010
The May issue of the UNISON LGBT e-bulletin contains: UNISON welcomes Equality Act 2010; Bi and trans members - have your say on 23 July; A voice for you at disabled members conference; Failing the grade - the experiences of LGBT asylum seekers; Older LGBT people in care homes; plus more.
07 May 2010 [ full story ]
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NCR Customer Engineers say NO to substandard offer
The votes have been counted at NCR. Customer Engineers said NO!
06 May 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU members endorse and serve Qantas EBA 9 Claim
After many weeks of meetings across the country, ASU members at Qantas have overwhelmingly endorsed our EBA 9 Claim. Starting today our claim will be presented to Qantas management by ASU delegates and members at various locations at organised gatherings of members celebrating the start of our “Worth respect” EBA 9 campaign.
05 May 2010 [ full story ]
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More super, more infrastructure and a fairer tax system are big wins for working Australians
A lift in the Superannuation Guarantee to 12% and a new government contribution to low-paid workers’ superannuation accounts are big wins for working Australians, says the ACTU.
03 May 2010 [ full story ]
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April 2010 |
What will it take to reach agreement at Toll Dnata Ramp and Cargo?
ASU Delegates told Toll Dnata management at a meeting in Brisbane Thursday 28 April just what it will take to finalise the Ramp and Cargo agreement.
30 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Dead in the Water: the dangers of water privatisation
The ASU has just released a new report into the dangers of water privatisation. The paper, "Dead in the Water: the dangers of water privatisation", can be downloaded below.
29 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Fairer tax and more super for working Australians must be at centre of Henry Review
The Henry Tax Review and next month’s Federal Budget must deliver a fairer tax system for working Australians and reform the superannuation system to ensure dignity in retirement for all Australians, not just the well-off, say unions.
29 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Unions make work safer. Members make unions stronger.
Under the banner theme adopted by the Global Unions for 2010, "Unions Make Work Safer," this April 28, International Workers' Memorial Day, we commemorate our fellow workers who have lost their lives or been injured in the workplace.
28 April 2010 [ full story ]
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New union campaign sends message to Liberals: “WorkChoices: whatever the name, never again”
Australian unions will today launch a new national advertising campaign aimed at exposing Tony Abbott’s plans to take Australia back to WorkChoices. The union campaign will revive the key issue of the last Federal election and highlight the danger to working Australians and their families posed by Tony Abbott’s commitment to hardline industrial relations policies.
27 April 2010 [ full story ]
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NCR offers Engineers less than CPI
NCR have made some changes to the agreement they want you to vote on but one thing remains the same: a 2% a year wage increase!
23 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Bullying allegations at Wilderness Society continue despite Director’s denials
Despite the statement of Executive Director of the Wilderness Society, Mr Alec Marr, as reported on the ABC News website, that the Wilderness Society “never had in the history of the organisation a formal complaint against bullying", the ASU has been told by members employed by the Society that a culture of bullying has existed for a number of years and internal complaints have been made.
23 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Legal Services Award critics misguided
Recent reports that the new Legal Services Award 2010 will hurt graduate recruitment have divided the profession. Enrico Burgio shares his view.
23 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Canon Agreement approved
Fair Work Australia (FWA) has approved the Canon Australia (Technical Consultants) Collective Agreement 2009. FWA approved the Agreement on Friday 16 April 2010 after seeking an undertaking from the employer that the clauses relating to right of entry and union rights were in accordance with the Fair Work Act. This undertaking was given by Canon and the ASU agreed.
22 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Toll Dnata Ramp, Cargo & Passenger Services Collective Agreements
Toll Dnata Ramp & Cargo employees look forward to getting back to the bargaining table on April 28 in Brisbane. Toll Dnata have changed their management representation at the bargaining table and they have now committed to respond in writing to the many issues we have put to them.
22 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Agreement has been reached at the Virgin Blue bargaining table
Virgin Blue, the ASU and the TWU reached agreement at the bargaining table to conclude negotiations for a new ground crew agreement.
22 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Current HACC system in Victoria to remain until at least 2011
ASU Victorian Branch Secretary Brian Parkinson believes the decision to leave existing arrangements for Victorian Home and Community Care (HACC) services in place until at least 30 June 2011, is a victory for not only those employed in the sector, but also the people receiving the care.
22 April 2010 [ full story ]
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ASUnet news … all the news from March 2010
One of the major changes confronting workers over the last year or so is the “harmonisation” of OHS laws across the country. And workers’ compensation laws are about to be added to the mix.
21 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - 9 April 2010
This edition contains the following items: Address by Attorney General of Australia; Unions, community groups want safeguards for health, environment and labour rights in US-Trans Pacific trade pact; ASU responds to the Federal Governments’ review of the critical issues facing Local Government skills; ASU meets with Local Government employers, professional bodies and the Australian Centre of Excellence for Local Government; National Code of Practice for Accessible Rail (Disability Access); plus more.
20 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Ged Kearney elected unopposed as the next President of the ACTU
Ged Kearney has been elected as the next President of the ACTU following the closure of nominations today for an upcoming casual vacancy.
20 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Join the Women's Rights At Work team in the 2010 Mothers Day Classic
On Sunday 9 May 2010, for the first time, the Mothers Day Classic fun run or walk will feature a national union team promoting women’s rights in every capital city event. The team is called the "Women’s Rights At Work".
20 April 2010 [ full story ]
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World’s unions urge G20 to focus on jobs for economic recovery
Brussels, 15 April 2010: As forecasts warn of a continuing rise in unemployment on top of the additional 34 million people worldwide who have become unemployed due to the economic crisis, trade union leaders from the G20 countries will urge for more action on jobs when they meet with G20 Labour and Employment Ministers on 19 April in Washington DC.
15 April 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU slams Rudd over possible HACC takeover
Australian Services Union Victorian Branch Secretary Brian Parkinson has urged the Federal Government not to disrupt Victoria’s Home and Community Care (HACC) system by reneging on a 2008 COAG commitment to consult with local government before considering future reforms to aged care.
14 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Qantas EBA 9 Campaign – how to get up to date information
ASU members at Qantas are now considering the recommendations from our recent Qantas National Delegates meeting about our claim for the Qantas EBA 9. We are aiming to finalise this process by early May 2010. At that time we will provide the ASU claim to Qantas management so negotiations can commence.
14 April 2010 [ full story ]
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UNISON LGBT e-bulletin - April 2010
The April issue of the UNISON LGBT e-bulletin contains: General election called - all out against the BNP; FIT - new DVD to tackle homophobia; Rally for public services; Do you give or receive care?; plus more.
14 April 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU-PSI Utility Bulletin - March 2010
The current edition includes the following items: Labour Video of the Year; New public-public partnership initiative; International trade union youth campaign launched; Governments that fail to adapt to new technologies will be left behind; Raising our voices for working women; plus more.
13 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Ansett Employee Update Number 59 and Tenth Report
The latest Employee Update from the Ansett Administrators is now available on this website along with the full Tenth Report. The status of the administration as at 31 December 2009 is covered.
13 April 2010 [ full story ]
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European Commission turns blind eye to failing public-private partnerships, says new report
A new report by the Public Service International Research Unit cautions the European Commission against enthusiastically endorsing public-private partnerships, contending that PPPs, as they are known, do not supplement public spending – they absorb it. The European Commission outlines high hopes for developing public-private partnerships in its EU 2020 strategy.
09 April 2010 [ full story ]
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Mandatory reporting is welcome, but is only part of the solution to achieve equal pay for women
Mandatory reporting requirements for businesses and beefed up powers for the Sex Discrimination Commissioner are crucial to reducing the pay gender gap.
07 April 2010 [ full story ]
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NCR ignores your right to bargain
Customer Engineers at NCR have received their invitation to have the ASU act as default bargaining representatives or nominate their own bargaining representative. You would think that would mean getting ready to bargain at NCR?
07 April 2010 [ full story ]
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March 2010 |
Order your Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA 2010 raffle tickets now
The annual Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA raffle is on right now so don't forget to order your tickets. UAA-APHEDA is the overseas aid agency of the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) and it needs your help to 'Make Life Fair Everywhere'.
30 March 2010 [ full story ]
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ASUshop new gear
Easter School break is coming up soon. Why not treat the family and see Tim Burton's take on Alice in Wonderland? We have children's tickets for Hoyts and Village cinemas available from the low price of $8.50 and adult tickets available from $10.50 - saving you up to 30% off the regular price.
29 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Turkish court sentences trade unionist Seher Tümer to seven years in prison
Lawyers have filed an appeal seeking to overturn the conviction of trade union activist Seher Tümer. Late in the day of 18 March, the Ankara High Criminal Court in Turkey declared Tümer guilty of belonging to an illegal Kurdish organization, and “making propaganda” through participation in public demonstrations, and sentenced her to more than seven years in prison. Tümer has already spent close to one year in prison. Her lawyers maintain there is no evidence to back these charges.
26 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Earth Hour is on Saturday – are you ready?
As we did in 2009, the ASU is participating in Earth Hour this year. We will ensure our lights are off in our Carlton building this Saturday night, but more importantly, we are actively raising awareness of the issues Earth Hour is drawing the world's attention to: specifically the need for all of us to look after the finite resources of this, our only home, the Earth.
26 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Canon Techs say yes to the deal
The vote has been counted. Canon Technicians have said yes to a deal which delivers a fixed wage increase component and improved working conditions.
25 March 2010 [ full story ]
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It’s taken a while but we think BoysTown are listening
Progress has been slow but there has been a little progress. BoysTown management, ASU Delegates, officials and bargaining reps met Wednesday 24 March 2010 to work on the wage offer.
25 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Back to the bargaining table at Toll Dnata Cargo
The ASU has been pursuing Toll Dnata to return to the bargaining table following your no vote on their previous offer.
25 March 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU responds to the Federal Governments’ review of the critical issues facing local government skills
The ASU has lodged a submission with the Federal Department of Local Government and Infrastructure in response to their “Draft Local Government Workforce Strategy” paper provided to the Minister for Local Government Anthony Albanese and the Council of Australian Governments Steering Committee.
24 March 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU meets with industry – Local Government worker’s skills
The ASU meets with Local Government employers, professional bodies and the Centre of Excellence.
24 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Jetstar delegates make big plans
Around 70 ASU Qantas Group delegates from all around Australia met in Melbourne on 17 & 18 March 2010 to discuss the year ahead and in particular the preparations for this year’s bargaining agenda in the Qantas Group.
23 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Fired up – ready to go!
Around 70 ASU Qantas Group delegates from all around Australia met in Melbourne on 17 & 18 March 2010 to discuss the year ahead and in particular the preparations for this year’s bargaining agenda in the Qantas Group. Delegates from Qantas Airways, QFCL, QFIT, Jetstar and QantasLink attended to plan our strategy.
23 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Public Services International urges water and sanitation unions to take action on public-public partnership initiatives
On the occasion of World Water Day, Public Services International calls on our affiliated unions in the water and sanitation sector to actively participate in the new public-public partnership initiative sponsored by the European Union.
22 March 2010 [ full story ]
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It’s time to vote at Canon
It’s time to vote at Canon. You need to make a decision on the agreement Canon have sent you and be ready to vote!
19 March 2010 [ full story ]
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A fair BUPA (MBF) enterprise agreement
The ASU is seeking input from members working at BUPA (MBF) on the log of claims for the enterprise agreement.
19 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Call by big business for two years-plus pay freeze is driven by greed and self-interest
The demand by big businesses for a two year delay in any wage rise for about 1.4 million workers would drive down living standards and harm the economy, say unions.
19 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Low paid workers must share in the economic recovery; unions to seek $27 a week wage rise
Unions will seek a $27 a week pay rise for workers on minimum wages who deserve their fair share of the economic recovery after unfairly shouldering the burden of the downturn.
17 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Unions, community groups want safeguards for health, environment and labour rights in US-Trans Pacific trade pact
Thirty Australian unions and community groups yesterday asked the Trade Minister to safeguard the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Australian local content in media, regulation of GE food, regulation of foreign investment and industry policies that support local employment in the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) negotiations which start today, Monday March 15.
15 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Canon Agreement out to vote
The Canon Australia Pty Ltd (Technical Consultants) Collective Agreement is now out for consideration prior to voting.
15 March 2010 [ full story ]
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PSI Equality, Equity and Diversity News
International news. Articles include: From membership to leadership: How to advance women in decision-making positions in trade unions; More women choosing to work, but gender equality remains a long way off; New report details gender inequalities in child rearing and household tasks.
15 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Victory at IBM Turkey; management must recognise union Tez-Koop-Is now
The supreme court of Turkey has declared in its final and non-appealable judgment that IBM Turkey must recognize UNI’s affiliate Tez-Koop-IS.
15 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Laws should protect building workers, not persecute them, says major new report
Unions have welcomed a new report which says the Australian Building and Construction Commission is in breach of international laws and fails to protect workers.
12 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Equal Pay Campaign starts today with launch of national test case for social and community workers
The newly-formed Equal Pay Alliance today called on all political parties and employers to properly value women’s work and close the 17% wage gap between men and women once and for all, as it launched a national equal pay campaign in Canberra.
11 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Community workers to send Julia Gillard kisses in bid for equal pay
Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard will be asked to champion a ground-breaking Equal Pay Test Case for community workers with the launch of a new campaign aimed at closing the gap between men and women’s pay in Australia.
11 March 2010 [ full story ]
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$50 pay cuts for young workers on the cards with Tony Abbott’s plan to bring back WorkChoices: new union ad campaign launched
Australian workers will suffer cuts to their pay and conditions and lose protection from unfair dismissal under Liberal leader Tony Abbott’s plan to bring back WorkChoices, warns a new national union TV ad campaign launched on the weekend.
08 March 2010 [ full story ]
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United Nations process bypasses civil society consultation on women’s equality
A global trade union delegation representing more than 200 million members has sent an open letter to United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon protesting the exclusion of civil voices in the shaping of recommendations on women’s equality at the UN’s annual meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women.
05 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Auscript Enterprise Agreement Survey
Auscript staff would be aware that management are proposing a new Auscript Enterprise Agreement (2010) to replace the current Agreement. Over the next few weeks the Australian Services Union (ASU), as a recognised bargaining representative under the Fair Work Act, will be consulting with Auscript members to assist with a survey in preparation for the bargaining process.
05 March 2010 [ full story ]
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BUPA (MBF) Enterprise Agreement Survey
BUPA (MBF) staff would be aware that management have proposed a new common BUPA Agreement (2010) to replace the current MBF Workplace Agreement 2007 which expires in September 2010; and the expired BUPA Agreement 2006.
04 March 2010 [ full story ]
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ASUnet news … all the news from January - February 2010
This year will see a concerted effort by the union movement to bring equal pay to Australian women workers.
03 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Sex discrimination has no place in workplaces: Qantas and other employers must lift their game
Australian employers, including some of the nation’s biggest companies, must lift their game to end sex discrimination in the workplace and improve pay and opportunities for women, say unions.
03 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Close the Gap Day - An easy way you can help end the Indigenous health crisis
The ASU is a supporter of Close the Gap Day which occurs on 25 March this year. ASU staff will be gathering to raise awareness of the terrible gap in life expectancy and other health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. We encourage our members and friends to do the same!
03 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Mission Australia Employment Solutions Enterprise Agreement accepted
Mission Australia Employment Solutions Enterprise Agreement negotiations have concluded in the successful vote counted Friday 26 February 2010.
02 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Fair Work fails ASU airlines members
In a disappointing decision for ASU Airlines members, Fair Work Australia (FWA) handed down a decision on 26 February refusing to make modifications to the Airline Operations Ground Staff Award 2010 (the modern Airlines Award).
01 March 2010 [ full story ]
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Trade union rights are women’s rights - support Seher Tümer
This year, in connection with March 8, International Women’s Day, Public Services International (PSI) is working to draw global attention to the case of Seher Tümer, branch secretary of our Turkish affiliate SES (trade union of public employees in health and social services).
01 March 2010 [ full story ]
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February 2010 |
Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council – February eNewsletter
The current edition contains stories on: Training Package Updates; Research In T&L; Workforce Development; Other Projects; News And Events; Engage With The Skills Council.
28 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Future purchasing arrangements for Job Services Australia: have your say in the DEEWR consultation round
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) released its Discussion Paper regarding ongoing purchasing and reallocation processes for Job Services Australia (JSA) on Wednesday 17 February 2010. Now it is time for all stakeholders, including workers, to have their say.
23 February 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU identifies real security risks at Australian airports
In late 2009 in response to heightened media concern about organised crime in the maritime and aviation sectors the Australian Crime Commission Joint Parliamentary Committee initiated an inquiry to investigate the efficacy of Aviation Security Identification Card and security at Australian airports.
22 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Employers should not use the new award system as an excuse to cut pay
Employers should not use the new award system as excuse to rip off workers and cut their pay and conditions, say unions. Unions are concerned that some unscrupulous employers are gearing up to cut pay and conditions following the introduction of the modernised award system.
19 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Voting on Virgin Blue EBA postponed
Well, Virgin Blue voting was to start on 17 February but then they realised what we have been telling them all along is true: their offer is not good enough! On Tuesday 16 February, Virgin Blue announced that voting for your replacement Ground Crew Agreement which was due to commence on Wednesday 17 February, has been postponed.
18 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - 15 February 2010
This is a special edition of the bulletin dealing exclusively with the issue of superannuation.
18 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Mission Employment are not telling you the whole truth!
Mission Australia Employment Solutions are telling all employees that if you vote no that is the end and nothing else will happen. This is not true!
18 February 2010 [ full story ]
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New Liberal plan to scrap minimum hours of work will hurt more than 2 million casuals
More than two million Australian workers would face major pay cuts and lose their job security under a new Liberal plan to scrap the requirement to pay casuals for minimum hours of work. Liberal leader Tony Abbott announced on radio (3AW Neil Mitchell Show, 17 February 2010) that he will scrap the requirement for casuals to be paid for a minimum shift and that he couldn’t guarantee other basic employment standards would not be axed.
18 February 2010 [ full story ]
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A quarter of workforce to lose unfair dismissal protection under Liberals’ new WorkChoices
More than 2.3 million workers - almost one in four - will lose protection from unfair dismissal under the Liberals’ WorkChoices Mark II. ACTU President Sharan Burrow said the Liberals’ plan, which is confirmed by the Opposition’s Workplace spokesman Eric Abetz, in media reports today would exempt 9 out of 10 businesses from unfair dismissal laws.
17 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Workers stand to lose $$$ under Liberal plan to scrap penalty rates and bring back WorkChoices
Tony Abbott and the Liberal Party will scrap penalty rates and unfair dismissal protection and reintroduce individual contracts for Australian workers if they are elected later this year, say unions. In the latest sign of the Liberals’ deceptive plan to reintroduce WorkChoices, deputy Opposition leader Julie Bishop has confirmed penalty rates would be targeted by a Liberal Government.
16 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Liberals will bring back WorkChoices to cut wages and conditions at next election: new poll
A majority of Australians believe a Liberal Government led by Tony Abbott-led will bring back WorkChoices, a new national opinion poll released today shows.
15 February 2010 [ full story ]
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UK Fujitsu workers on strike to protect jobs and pensions
Last year, Fujitsu proposed 1,000 redundancies in the UK, following a pay freeze and plans to close the company’s pension scheme, reducing employees’ remuneration by around 20%. Unite members voted in favour of strike action late last year.
12 February 2010 [ full story ]
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It’s time to get this agreement sorted one way or another at Canon
ASU Delegates are back to the bargaining table via teleconference with Canon management on Thursday 18 February 2010.
12 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Now we’re getting somewhere at BoysTown!
Negotiations continued today with the ASU putting a firm position to BoysTown management in order to move this agreement closer to conclusion.
12 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Virgin Blue voting starts on 17 February 2010
Virgin Blue (VB) say they will make no more changes to your draft wages and conditions. VB agreed to further changes but because your ASU Delegates say the wages offer is unacceptable, VB changed their mind and have refused to put in the final amendments.
11 February 2010 [ full story ]
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ASUshop new gear
Looking for a cool oasis to entertain the whole family this summer? Going to the movies may be the perfect solution. The ASUshop sells discounted movie tickets to make your outing that much more affordable.
11 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Qantas EBA 9 Survey launched!
The Qantas EBA 8 expires on 30 June 2010 and the ASU has now launched our EBA 9 Survey. For the first time in a long time ASU members will be negotiating our new EBA under fair laws: the Fair Work Act. EBA 8 was negotiated under WorkChoices which prohibited some claims and clauses – these previous problems are no longer present, it is a new era.
08 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Help raise funds for justice in Western Sahara
February 27 is the Western Sahara National Day and to celebrate the day, Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA and the Australian Western Sahara Association are hosting an event at the Clare Café Bar Bistro in Carlton (Victoria). The event is being supported by the ASU, which is a long time supporter of the Western Sahara freedom movement.
08 February 2010 [ full story ]
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PSI Equality, Equity and Diversity News
International news. Articles include: The need for accurate and adequate information regarding migration; Official launch of the South Africa pre-decision and information kit on migration and women health workers; Elderly to Outnumber Children for First Time in 2045; Immigration Reform Would Boost US Economy
05 February 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU-PSI Utility Bulletin - December 2009
The current edition includes the following items: Asian Development Bank; PLN – Indonesia appoints new President; Renewable Energy Focus News; News items from Asia Pacific Currents 3CR; Polarity testing in electrical networks, Standards Australia; plus more.
02 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Abbott misses big economic picture on climate change
The federal opposition’s response to climate change fails to grasp the enormous challenge of moving Australia onto a cleaner energy footing, and ignores the economic and environmental risk of doing too little too late.
02 February 2010 [ full story ]
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Intergenerational Report is a wake-up call - time to increase super to 15%
Unions will push for the superannuation guarantee to be raised to 15% following the release of a new government report on the economic impact of Australia’s rapidly ageing population. Unions welcome today’s Intergenerational Report, which outlines the challenges posed for retirement incomes as the proportion of the population aged 65 and over doubles over the next 40 years.
01 February 2010 [ full story ]
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January 2010 |
Mission Employment says No!
After a number of meetings Mission Australia Employment Solutions have decided they want you to vote on their offer.
We believe their offer does NOT meet community standards, does NOT meet industry standards and is NOT a good offer.
29 January 2010 [ full story ]
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Liberal plan to cut industry support would cost hundreds of thousands of jobs
A Coalition proposal to cut industry support to manufacturing would put the jobs of hundreds of thousands of hard-working Australians at risk and undermine the domestic economy, say unions.
21 January 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU national magazine for SACS professionals now available online
CARE PROFESSIONAL (or CP Magazine) is the ASU’s national magazine for social and community services professionals. It contains articles by specialists from all parts of the industry, from academia and government, as well as union advocates.
21 January 2010 [ full story ]
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Same sex attracted youth invited to write themselves into Australian history
Young Australians attracted to people of the same sex are being invited to ‘write themselves’ into history through a national survey. The third “Writing Themselves In” survey (WTI3) is now online will be used to gather information on the sexuality, health and wellbeing of Australians aged 14-21 who experience some form of attraction to members of their own sex (regardless of how they identify).
21 January 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU and local government work together for better outcomes
The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Anthony Albanese, today acknowledged the work of the ASU in the local government industry on behalf of employees including the promotion of workplace friendly actions and career path promotion for women in local government.
20 January 2010 [ full story ]
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2010 as Year of Women in Local Government launched
The Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, and the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for the Status of Women, will jointly launch 2010 as the Year of Women in Local Government to recognise, celebrate and promote the advancement of women into senior management and leadership roles.
20 January 2010 [ full story ]
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Tasmanian Senator shares views on Fair Work
Senator for Tasmania Catryna Bilyk, was recently present during Fair Work Week in Tasmania which launched the full commencement of Australia’s new Fair Work system. As a former ASU Industrial Officer and Trainer, we asked Catryna to share some of her thoughts with ASU members in relation to the new industrial relations system.
19 January 2010 [ full story ]
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Investment in skills and infrastructure crucial to boost Australian productivity
Major investment in skills, training and infrastructure will be needed if Australia is to respond to the challenge of lifting productivity growth, say unions.
19 January 2010 [ full story ]
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Union Aid Abroad-APHEDA Appeal for Haiti
On Tuesday 12th January, the small Caribbean nation of Haiti was hit by a magnitude 7 earthquake. The capital of Port-au-Prince, a city of 3 million people, lies in ruins.
19 January 2010 [ full story ]
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Public Services Bulletin - 7 January 2010
This edition contains the following items: New protections and minimum standards for all Australian workers from 1 January 2010; National Employment Standards; Modern Awards; Agreement Making and Collective Bargaining; Individual Flexibility Arrangements; Representation at work and in bargaining; New General Workplace Rights; and Unfair Dismissal.
15 January 2010 [ full story ]
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Welcome news on jobs, but underlying problems mean stimulus must continue
A drop in Australia’s unemployment rate for the third month in a row is encouraging and may indicate that the peak has passed, but December’s over-reliance on part-time jobs growth may also be masking underlying problems, say unions.
15 January 2010 [ full story ]
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Growing number of employers are recognising workers’ rights under new IR system
Rio Tinto’s decision to negotiate a new collective agreement for train drivers in the Pilbara iron ore region is a welcome sign that the Rudd Government’s Fair Work laws are working, say unions. The decision is a shift from more than a decade of obstinate and aggressive tactics by Rio Tinto to prevent its employees from having the right to be represented by a union in wage negotiations.
13 January 2010 [ full story ]
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ASU says: Back to the bargaining table at Toll Dnata Ramp & Cargo
The vote for the Toll Dnata Airport Service Pty Ltd Employee Ramp and Cargo Enterprise Agreement 2009–2011 was a clear NO. Toll Dnata employees across the country voted to say the agreement is not yet good enough and there are issues that must be resolved for the agreement to be accepted.
08 January 2010 [ full story ]
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Tougher action is still needed to rein in executive salaries and bonuses
Australia enters a new decade at risk of repeating the mistakes of the past few years unless tighter restrictions are imposed on executive pay packets, say unions.
04 January 2010 [ full story ]
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Aviation White Paper delivers policy wins but still more work to be done
The Rudd Government's Aviation White Paper released on Wednesday 18th December marked the end of a 2 year process of policy development within which the ASU made extensive submissions and contributions through many rounds of consultation as well as lobbying of and discussions with Government ministers.
04 January 2010 [ full story ]
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New protections and minimum standards will be better for all Australian workers
New minimum employment standards that come into effect on New Year’s Day will be good for all Australian workers and represent a major step forward from WorkChoices.
01 January 2010 [ full story ]
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