Rights at Work

The Australian Services Union along with the ACTU and other unions are opposing a number of aspects of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). The Agreement is yet to be passed by the Australian Parliament, although it has already been signed by the Federal Minister for Trade and Investment Andrew…

It's time to tell the Productivity Commission what you think of their recommendations about cutting your rights at work. Recently the Commission issued a Draft Report as part of its Inquiry into workplaces and as we expected, they followed the Federal Government's script on cutting penalty rates, freezing the minimum…

Equal Pay Day today acknowledges the 65 extra days the average Australian woman works each year to earn the same wages as a man. The ASU and unions in general argue this is not good enough and our Federal Government is failing to address this serious issue. The ACTU calls…

Last week the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission handed down their decision to include accident make-up pay in modern awards where predecessor awards had contained the provision. This decision means that thousands of workers will continue to have their wages supplemented by their employer for a specified time…

Australian Unions welcome the opportunity for a genuine policy debate on Australia's productivity, economic growth, tax system and retirement incomes at the National Reform Summit in Sydney today. We need a long term plan for inclusive growth and prosperity that is supported by government, unions, business and community groups. Australia…

The Senate's decision to reject the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) and Registered Organisations bills is a win for the rights at work of millions of Australians. These proposed laws are a key part of the Federal Government's agenda to weaken unions and attack our rights at work. Since…

The ACTU will pursue its claim to make paid domestic violence leave a workplace right in the Fair Work Commission today. The ACTU is pushing to make 10 days paid domestic violence leave for employees an award condition, which would benefit more than six million Australian workers. Having access to…

Unions have always said the Productivity Commission Inquiry was called by the Abbott Government in order to cut penalty rates, the minimum wage and rights at work – the interim report released yesterday confirms that. Penalty Rates to be cut The report calls for a two-tiered workplace system with Sunday…

Australian Unions will today launch a campaign to 'Save Our Weekend' and protect penalty rates for thousands of workers in the Geelong, Colac and Surf Coast regions. Around 100 people will gather at the Geelong Trades Hall Council to launch the campaign. >> Show your support for weekend rates by…

The Senate inquiry into temporary work visas is holding its final sitting in Canberra today concluding weeks of hearings shedding light on Australia's issue-riddled work visa system. The evidence is clear: the Abbott Government must fix this broken system. The Senate inquiry has previously held hearings in Brisbane, Sydney, Perth…