News
The Fair Work (Registered Organisations) Act 2009 requires that the financial affairs of unions are checked and audited every 12 months to make sure union funds are administered properly and to detect any shortcomings. Unions are also required to prepare an operating report. The National Executive and the Branches of…
Jobs and innovation at risk with scrapping of clean tech funding
18 September 2013
The Abbott Government's plans to scrap industry support associated with carbon pricing would have a direct impact on jobs growth and bring a wave of workplace innovation to reduce energy use and greenhouse emissions to an abrupt halt the ACTU warned today. Cutting schemes like the Clean Energy Finance Corporation…
They call themselves the “Really Good Friends of Services” but they are selling out our communities
17 September 2013
Global union, Public Services International (PSI) denounces Trade in Services Agreement. Governments meeting this week in Geneva, Switzerland are negotiating in secret a proposed Trade in Services Agreement (TISA). You can read this article on the PSI website here The 48 countries participating in the TISA negotiation seem intent on…
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…
FedEx EA 2013 approved by Fair Work Commission but questions remain
13 September 2013
The FedEx EA 2013 was recently approved by the Fair Work Commission but not before a challenge by the ASU in relation to inferior conditions when compared with the minimum safety net of the Clerks - Private Sector Award such as: Part time - no written agreement on a regular…
ASU Jetstar claim endorsed – EBA 5 negotiations about to kick off
11 September 2013
ASU members at ports throughout the country overwhelmingly endorsed our claim for Jetstar EBA 5. The claim was developed after extensive consultation with our members and other staff at Jetstar through surveys and feedback from delegates. Today our claim will be served on Jetstar management and our Respect us Respect…
Bargaining about to begin at Emirates
11 September 2013
ASU members at Emirates have endorsed our claim for the next Emirates EBA. The claim was developed after consultation with our members at Emirates and through surveys and feedback from delegates. Today our claim has been served on Emirates management. A copy of our claims are available from your local…
Trade in Services Agreement risks jeopardising universal access to high quality public services
10 September 2013
In the context of a European Commission (EC) consultation, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) submitted a joint statement this week related to the negotiations on a plurilateral Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA). First published 9 SeptemberYou can read this item in full…
Unemployment and inequality challenge global growth, warn unions on eve of G20 Summit
09 September 2013
One in eight people can no longer pay for basic living expenses shows new international poll by global unions. Stalled growth in developed economies and emerging markets, rising unemployment and increasing income inequality are the key challenges G20 leaders must address as they meet in St Petersburg for the annual…
Child Care Update: Coalition policy and threats to Quality Early Childhood Education
06 September 2013
Overnight and when you weren't looking, the Liberal/National parties have released their child care policy which will alter the industry in many ways, reduce professional standards, provide less money to the sector, in particular by closing the Early Years Quality Fund (EYQF) and through no further funding commitment being made.…