As the principal union in the sector, the Australian Services Union is disturbed to report that local government has taken a big hit from last night's Budget. In fact, it seems that the Federal Government is actively de-prioritising local government as a policy area. The Budget cuts have hit local…

Unions fear the implications of last night's Budget will be felt for years to come with young job seekers among those most significantly impacted. ACTU President Ged Kearney said, "The so-called budget for everyone will hurt some much more than others." "By removing the safety net for young job seekers,…

In last night’s Budget the Federal Government tried to sweeten the state government pot. The formula to top up state assets with resources obtained from the privatisation of Medibank, recently discussed between state governments and the Commonwealth, might sound a good idea, but it will have a negative effect on…

The Close the Gap Campaign today reiterated its call for the Government to deliver on its commitment to the national effort to close the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians. Click here to read this on the AHRC website The Close the Gap Campaign has…

The Abbott Government's first Budget signals the end of the Aussie fair go, unions said tonight. "The Abbott Government's assault on welfare, Medicare, education and the public sector represents the end of the fair go and the biggest attack on the social wage this country has ever seen," ACTU President…

The decision in the long running battle of scope was handed down last week by His Honour, Senior Deputy President Hamberger in a massive win for the Unions and its collective members. >>> Read the news item on the NSW US Branch website here His Honour has found that the…

The bank owned super funds have continued their efforts to undermine and dismantle consumer protections which ensure a transparent quality filter will apply for selection of default funds. Click here to read this on the Industry Super Australia website The Financial Services Council, on behalf of the bank owned super…

The Abbott Government is considering a plan to cut the minimum wage every year for ten years which would have catastrophic consequences for Australia's lowest paid workers. ACTU President Ged Kearney that striking new analysis by the ACTU showed that the plan to aggressively drive down the minimum wage would…

Australia's minimum wage will be reduced to 44% of average weekly earnings, wiping off $136 per week in today's dollars, if the Commission of Audit recommendations are accepted by the Government. ACTU President Ged Kearney said this radical move represented the biggest attack on Australian wages since the Great depression.…

On 1 May 2014, the ASU and your employee bargaining representatives met with management to commence negotiations for a new Enterprise Agreement. Management have put a proposed agreement on the negotiating table, with new wages rate and classifications. The Agreement is significantly different from the 2009 Agreement and will change…