Secure Jobs Better Future

The ACTU today rejected a recommendation by the Federal Government's top policy agency to lift the retirement age to 70, as out of touch with the reality of life for Australian workers. ACTU President Ged Kearney said the proposal by the Productivity Commission ignores the reality that while life expectancy…

Sales assistants, checkout operators, receptionists and clerical workers are among workers set to bear the brunt of the Coalition's attack on superannuation. A Bill, which overturns the superannuation rebate along with the mining tax and other spending measures including the School Kids Bonus and the Regional Development Fund, passed the…

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'…

The Abbott Government's attempt to introduce an appeals body to amend decisions made by the Fair Work Commission is another attempt to strip back workers' rights, the ACTU said today. ACTU President Ged Kearney said media reports today made it clear that the Abbott Government wanted to reduce the FWC's…

ACTU said the announcement from Minister for Employment Eric Abetz that the Government plans to freeze jobs, is a blow for the public who access services and an unfortunate outcome for workers hoping to enter the public sector. "This will lead to a thinning out of services that are regularly…

Taking a lunch break has become a thing of the past for millions of Aussie bosses and their employees, a new survey has revealed. The survey, conducted by The Australia Institute and beyondblue for this year's national Go Home on Time Day initiative, found that 3.8 million people routinely don't…

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…