The ACTU welcomes new funding from the Federal Government to tackle deaths from asbestos exposure with $6.4 million to go to the new Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency to implement the National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Awareness and Management. ACTU Assistant Secretary Michael Borowick said Australia had the highest per…

Australian business is again pushing to cut wages with the Business Council of Australia saying that penalty rates should be re-examined and that the minimum wage could be 'a problem'. ACTU President Ged Kearney said the BCA's action plan released today showed some vision for Australia so it was disappointing…

With members in the rail sector, the ASU is promoting Rail Safety Week from 12-18 August. The focus is on improving the safety of everyone around railway lines. Visit the Rail Safety Week website to learn about the issues. There are resources and videos to help raise awareness. From the…

On the same day as the Business Council of Australia has called for cuts to the minimum wage, the Coalition has revisited its politically-motivated policy attacking unions' ability to represent workers' interests, the ACTU said. The ACTU has no tolerance for corruption by union officials, said ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver.…

A referendum to recognise local government in the Australian Constitution is planned to accompany this year's federal election. The ASU asks Australians to vote YES for this recognition to ensure our local councils are able to continue to provide the services we have all come to expect. Local government employees…

For many months the ASU has fought hard to ensure that Virgin meets its obligations and pays shift workers the correct annual leave loading entitlements under your Agreement and we are pleased to report that the company is about to correct errors from the past 6 years for many employees.…

A meeting of the ACTU Executive has today called on Australian businesses to look beyond cutting wages and conditions as a simplistic solution, and to invest in skills and technology to lift productivity. The ACTU, meeting in Melbourne, has criticised Holden for its attempts to reduce wages and conditions at…

Men out-earn women in every occupational group in Australia – even in those jobs dominated by women, ABS data analysed by the ACTU shows. ACTU President Ged Kearney has called for a renewed push to tackle the 'quicksand effect' where women fall further and further behind on pay and work…

Almost 70 ASU delegates from across Australia met in Melbourne on Friday 26th July 2013 to consider the recommendation of the ASU National Negotiating Team on the settlement of EBA 10. After detailed consideration, discussion and debate your ASU delegates unanimously voted in favour of the following resolution: Having heard…

Australians believe investing in skills and training is a better way to improve productivity than greater management 'flexibility' in hiring practices, new polling shows. ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said today's Essential polling showed many Australians took the common sense view that improving skills and training would deliver better outcomes. A…