Rights at Work

Unions are urging workers to call the Workers' Rights Hotline on 1300 486 466 if they have been pressured into contracting arrangements that rob them of entitlements like sick and holiday leave. A relaxation of rules around independent contracting by the Abbott Government will see more employees exploited under sham…

ACTU President Ged Kearney said plans by the new Coalition Government to abandon wage increases for up to 350,000 workers in aged and childcare was in direct conflict with Tony Abbott's commitment that no worker would be worse off. "It is a betrayal by the Coalition of some of Australia's…

The ASU has been closely monitoring the release of policies over the federal election campaign. Our analysis indicates that in terms of protecting your rights at work and building a better life, the two major parties are very different in what they’re offering. We are providing this information to members…

The ACTU is warning of a sharp rise in Patrick-style attacks on workers' jobs and conditions under the Coalition's policy of supporting employer-only greenfield agreements. ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said the situation at Glencore Xstrata's Collinsville mine, where the company will shut the gates on hundreds of mineworkers tomorrow to…

Unions fear low-paid workers in the aged care sector will miss out on pay rises secured by the Labor Government under Tony Abbott's plans to give the money intended for workers direct to providers. Enterprise agreements were the best way to ensure the money flowed direct to workers and was…

The Coalition's policy of handing out bonuses as a solution to long-term unemployment suggests the fault lies with jobseekers and ignores the alarming reality of declining job opportunities for young Australians. A report released yesterday shows that in a softening jobs market the ever-growing number of people from overseas on…

Voters believe many aspects of life from rights at work to cost of living would be worse under an Abbott government, new polling shows. Essential Research polling commissioned by the ACTU found that the only things people thought would improve were conditions for business. Job security, education, health, public services…

The ACTU has written to all Liberal federal election candidates asking if they will commit to retaining penalty rates if they are elected. ACTU President Ged Kearney said unions were reaching out to Liberal candidates as senior party officials were suggesting a Coalition Government would back a post-election assault on…

The ASU joins the ACTU and other unions in seeking a commitment from the Federal Opposition that local government, state government and all other public sector workers will not be disadvantaged by the Abbott Paid Parental Leave (PPL) scheme. The current scheme introduced by the ALP Federal Government allows a…

A pay rise for apprentices awarded by the Fair Work Commission will see more people complete vocational training and boost the skill level of the Australian workforce, the ACTU said today. The Commission has awarded significant pay rises to first and second year apprentices as well as people who start…