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…

On behalf of local government child care members, the ASU met with the Federal Minister's office to confirm that local government would not miss out on the early childhood funding applications. Please see our earlier item on this issue here: ASU meets with the Minister for Early Childhood and Youth.…

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 welcomes the news of and supports the United Voice equal pay application for private sector child carers as the need to recognise early childhood education and care grows. ASU Assistant National Secretary, Greg McLean, attended the first hearing of the United Voice claim for equal remuneration for early…

Public Services International stands with Detroit and public workers. Detroit is the largest city to file for bankruptcy in United States history. But it is not the only city in economic crisis, and what happens in Detroit matters—it matters to AFSCME members who have dedicated their working lives to providing…

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…

After participating in workplace meetings across Australia, ASU members at Qantas have overwhelmingly voted to endorse the ASU EBA 10 deal negotiated and recommended by the ASU's Qantas National Negotiating Team. The ASU has advised Qantas management of these results and so we expect that the company will shortly send…

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…

The ASU log of claims for the new Toll Dnata Ramp and Cargo agreement has been given to the company after it was endorsed by ASU members. We have had our first meeting with the management representatives to explain to them what ASU members want from a new agreement. Your…

Eric Abetz has confirmed today that an Abbott Government will try to stop workers getting pay rises above inflation unless they give up conditions. ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said Mr Abetz's comments in The Australian this morning that the Coalition would demand "excessive" wage rises include productivity reforms should ring…