Rights at Work

Years of moderate increases to the minimum wage mean low incomes earners are all but shut out of the housing market. The ACTU lodged a submission to the FWC on March 27 calling for a wage increase for Australia's lowest paid including cleaners, retail and hospitality staff, child care workers,…

Occupational cancers kill at a rate of more than once a minute worldwide, according to a comprehensive review of the available evidence by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). Click here to read this on the ITUC website The global union body, speaking out ahead of the 28 April International…

Every year on 28 April, people around the world mark International Workers' Memorial Day. It's a time to remember those who have not returned home due to work-related deaths, those who have been injured or made ill as a result of work and, importantly, to remember that we have to…

Employer groups are using tricky legal tactics to avoid new workplace protections for domestic violence leave and family friendly work arrangements which will increase women's workforce participation. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Housing Industry Association (HIA), Australia Industry Group (AIG) and National Farmers Federation (NFF) lodged responses…

Australian Unions are deeply concerned by the Federal Government's decision to scrap a successful twenty year partnership between employers and unions on vocational education and training (VET). Industry Skills Councils have been one of the key strengths of Australia's vocational education and training system and the source of much of…

Public service trade unions and the Global Alliance for Tax Justice invite members to join in marching this May Day under the banner "Working people pay taxes – corporations must pay their share!" Click here to read this on the PSI website with links to further resources Following the Tax…

Australians are being subjected to a false and misleading campaign about penalty rates by employer groups in the lead up to Easter, Australian Unions said today. Despite no evidence to support their claims, employers in the growing sectors of retail and hospitality are calling for penalty rates for working over…

The ACTU will ask the Fair Work Commission to increase compulsory superannuation contributions for workers on award minimum wages to compensate them for the cut to their retirement savings because of the Abbott Government's decision to freeze superannuation increases. The ACTU will make the claim as part of its submission…

Unions welcome the Senate Inquiry into the growing use and reported abuse of temporary work visas including 457, working holiday and student visas. The inquiry comes after lobbying by the ACTU, resource, health and service sector unions, which was supported by migrant community organisations, to ensure Australia's temporary visa system…

ACTU President Ged Kearney will detail three key changes to Australia's workplace laws that unions will call for under the Productivity Commission inquiry into workplace relations at a National Press Club debate in Canberra today. Ms Kearney will debate Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Kate Carnell at 12.30pm…