The Abbott Government has begun its attack on ordinary workers by drafting laws that cut taxes for big mining companies but scrap programs, including the Low Income Superannuation Contribution, that benefit low and middle-income workers. The draft of the Minerals Resource Rent Tax Repeal and Other Measures Bill 2013 released…

The ITUC together with 163 other trade union and civil society organisations and trade unions are raising concerns over a proposed expansion of the Information Technology Agreement ("ITA II") being negotiated at the World Trade Organisation. A joint letter to WTO member points to the damage the proposals would do…

Go Home on Time Day is an annual initiative of The Australia Institute, in partnership with beyondblue. The Day is a light-hearted way to start a serious conversation about work-life balance. The ASU encourages members and supporters to participate in the Day as the issue of work-life balance can impact…

The Abbott Government's Commission of Audit is nothing but a process to outsource public policy to big business and pave the way for cuts to public services, the ACTU said yesterday. ACTU President Ged Kearney said that this had already happened in Queensland where the Newman Government used the same…

After participating in workplace meetings across Australia, ASU members at Qantas Holidays have overwhelmingly voted to endorse the ASU Qantas Holidays EBA 2 deal negotiated and recommended by the ASU's Qantas Holidays National Negotiating Team. The ASU has advised JTG management of these results and the following is the timetable…

A new Grattan Institute report showing that higher-income earners are the main winners out of housing and tax policy should lead to changes in the system the ACTU said yesterday. ACTU assistant secretary Tim Lyons said that both renting and buying a first home were becoming more difficult for workers.…

On the 30th October 2013 Blacktown Council will debate closures to childcare centres that will have major impacts on Services across the Blacktown local government area. This is an unprecedented action by Blacktown Liberal Mayor. Blacktown Council has a long history of developing, implementing and improving local service. Join the…

Tony Abbott has confirmed his revamped Australian Building and Construction Commission will continue its predecessor's attack on workers' rights by appointing right-wing ideologue John Lloyd and former ABCC Deputy Commissioner Nigel Hadgkiss to the Fair Work Building Industry inspectorate. ACTU President Ged Kearney said the Abbott Government had made clear…

Over half-a-million workers injured and thousands killed each year in Australia shows we need to strengthen not weaken workplace safety regulation, say unions. Data shows 600,000 workers are injured – 127,000 of those seriously – costing Australia more than $60 billion annually. ACTU President Ged Kearney said: "This raises serious…

At our 2nd meeting with Jetstar management on 8th October 2013 we tabled all our remaining detailed claims as follows: Claim 2 – Include all EBA conditions that are currently in side letters in EBA 5 Claim 4 – Provide for conversion for part time workers to full time Claim…