Rights at Work

It will come as no surprise that the destructive path of the Abbott Government has dominated thinking as union leaders reflect back on 2014. Whether it was job losses, attacks on their rights and conditions, or cuts to public services, workers felt the brunt of the new government's agenda throughout…

An attempt by employers to cut penalty rates for millions of Australian workers has kicked off just before Christmas, said the ACTU. ACTU President Ged Kearney said employer groups have outlined the industries they will target under a review of the award system at a hearing in the Fair Work…

The Abbott Government has shown its true colours – at a time when they hope no one is looking – by announcing a wholesale review of Australia's workplace laws that will see wages, conditions and rights at work slashed. ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said that going after wages and conditions…

Today's 12-year-high unemployment rate of 6.3 per cent has destroyed any economic credibility the Abbott Government claims to have, said the ACTU. "This is the highest unemployment rate in Australia since September 2002, when Tony Abbott was Employment Minister," said ACTU Assistant Secretary Tim Lyons. "The Government needs to stop…

The United Nations declared December 10 a Human Rights Day. The union movement reflects on one of those fundamental human rights. ITUC Statement on Human Rights Day Today, 64 years since the United Nations declared December 10 a Human Rights Day, the world is witnessing an unprecedented attack on one…

Unions will take legal action to block any application to the Supreme Court to have asbestos victims paid compensation in instalments. In a unanimous vote, the ACTU Executive committed to the action in response to a shortfall in the Asbestos Injuries Compensation Fund (AICF) set up to compensate asbestos sufferers.…

As ASU social and community services workers approach their bi-annual equal pay increase on 1 December, a new study showing Australian women are paid almost 25 per cent less than men who perform the same work highlights the need for comprehensive government action to close the gender pay gap and…

The ITUC is calling for a new international Convention on gender-based violence at the workplace, as the world observes the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women today. Click here to read this story on the ITUC website The Governing Body of the International Labour Organization – made…

Brisbane 16 November 2014: The 2 per cent extra economic growth target heralded as the major outcome of the G20 Brisbane Summit will struggle to be met as it was not accompanied by any plan to stimulate demand through higher wages and quality job creation, warned the Labour 20. With…

The Australian Council of Trade Unions today condemned the political attack on industry funds, and said that workers' retirement savings should be protected from the predatory and profit driven banking sector. ACTU Assistant Secretary, Tim Lyons said that media reports today that the Financial Services Inquiry would recommend changes to…