Today's decision by Fair Work Australia to grant just a $17.10 increase to Australia's lowest paid workers will see those on minimum wages fall further behind the rest of the workforce and risks entrenching a working poor in Australia, say unions. ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said the Annual Wage Review…

Today at ACTU Congress, the Australian Services Union (ASU) and the Finance Sector Union (FSU) will be making a presentation on the state of the white collar sector which throws a spotlight on the crisis facing not just workers in the sector but the Australian economy in general. The services…

In late 2011 the Federal Minister for Energy released the Government's "Draft Energy White Paper" after a two year industry dialogue. The dialogue included an industry round table discussion, submissions and consultations with stakeholders. The ASU National Office (on behalf of all Branches) was involved. We have now lodged our…

The scare campaign against action on climate change has once again been proved wrong by international research showing up to one million new Australian jobs would be created by positive investment in clean energy, say unions. Globally unions are calling for increased private and public investment in clean energy technologies…

The GROW draft agreement has been issued by management and subject to a ballot of staff commencing 11 May and closing 18 May 2012. Unfortunately the final draft agreement is not one the ASU could recommend to members. The offer is for a 4 year agreement with 3% pay increase…

Rallies in support of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) occurred today around the country. The ASU has been promoting this campaign and we have been pleased to hear the Prime Minister's historic announcement today that the NDIS will begin to launch next year. Prime Minister's announcement Today, thousands of…

A $26 a week wage increase should be granted to low-paid workers to maintain a safety net and ensure they do not fall further behind average income earners, say unions. In its reply submission for the 2012 Annual Wage Review by Fair Work Australia, the ACTU is urging the Panel…

Railway workers and their unions are holding a world action day on Monday to promote rail as a vital, safe and sustainable means of public transport. You can read this media release on the ITF website here. The International Railway Workers' Action Day will mobilise workers worldwide, who will use…

At 8.30pm this Saturday 31 March, Earth Hour will once again transcend all barriers of race, religion, culture, society, generation and geography as a global community unites for a more sustainable future. More than 130 countries including Libya, Greece, Uganda and Nepal as well as the International Space Station will…

Today is World Water Day Water Justice activists, including PSI unions, have successfully pushed the human right to water and sanitation (RTW) onto the global agenda. The UN General Assembly Resolution 64/292 of 2010 has set the standard for government obligations in ensuring universal access. Many national campaigns insist that…