Rights at Work

Yesterday the High Court handed down a significant decision in favour of free speech and the ability of organisations like unions to campaign for workers' rights and against unjust political actions through campaigns like "Your Rights at Work". This was in response to legislation introduced by the NSW Government in…

Workers relying on a robust Australian job's market have been let down following a policy-light and blame-heavy announcement at today's Midyear Economic and Fiscal Outlook announcement by Treasurer Joe Hockey. ACTU President Ged Kearney said, "Mr Hockey chose to focus on blame shifting and cuts to jobs and services without…

Unions are calling on the Prime Minister to outline a plan for jobs not cuts in the Government's response to the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook (MYEFO) today. ACTU President Ged Kearney said the Government needs to urgently spell out how it is going to create the two million jobs…

The ASU this week lodged a submission expressing our serious concerns with the Federal Government's "Commission of Audit". The Audit has been set up to review services, timing and cost value to government, along with the Federal Government's relationship with state and local government. The ASU has a range of…

The ASU is continuing to voice its opposition to regressive changes to superannuation being delivered by the new Abbott Government. Today the Senate Economics Legislation Committee is hearing submissions on the repeal of the Mining Tax, which includes removal of the Low Income Super Contribution (LISC) and a delay to…

White Ribbon Ambassador and ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said Australian Unions will support a special resolution at the ACTU Executive on Tuesday for paid domestic violence leave to be included as a minimum entitlement in the 2014 modern award review. "Australia is already leading the world with over 1.2 million…

The ASU has been liaising with the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) about submissions and consultations for the National Review on Pregnancy and Return to Work. We will be making a submission to the Review and we need your help to give them the real picture of what is going…

Tony Abbott's decision to repeal the price on carbon is putting at risk Australia's ability to capitalise on the clean tech, low carbon jobs of the future, ACTU president Ged Kearney said, "Failure to invest and support a local clean energy industry through comprehensive climate change policy will cost future…

The ACTU are concerned about the consequences of the Government's public service jobs freeze in science and innovation which, over time, will see a drop in productivity and vital job-creating innovation. ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said, "Cutting jobs at the CSIRO will be bad for productivity in the long run.…

The Abbott Government's announcement that it will scrap the 15 per cent tax on superannuation income above $100,000 a year, while at the same time removing superannuation tax breaks for workers on less than $37,000 per year, shows the new Government is intent on rewarding the wealthy and holds workers'…