Today at noon, Fair Work Australia handed down a final decision in the Equal Pay Case for social and community services (SACS) workers. The decision concerned the timetable for pay increases that flow from their earlier decision of 1 February 2012. Despite a number of submissions from parties seeking to…

The High Court decision yesterday in relation to the federally funded chaplaincy program in schools may have repercussions for direct Federal Government funding of local government. This highlights the need for constitutional recognition of local government. An expert panel was formed last year to look into constitutional recognition of local…

The release of the first grants from the Government's $1 billion Clean Technology Investment Programs are a vote of confidence in manufacturing jobs under a price on carbon, say unions. ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said the grants would sustain manufacturing industry and jobs by helping them to install environmentally-friendly technology…

Today's decision by Fair Work Australia to grant just a $17.10 increase to Australia's lowest paid workers will see those on minimum wages fall further behind the rest of the workforce and risks entrenching a working poor in Australia, say unions. ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said the Annual Wage Review…

Today at ACTU Congress, the Australian Services Union (ASU) and the Finance Sector Union (FSU) will be making a presentation on the state of the white collar sector which throws a spotlight on the crisis facing not just workers in the sector but the Australian economy in general. The services…

In late 2011 the Federal Minister for Energy released the Government's "Draft Energy White Paper" after a two year industry dialogue. The dialogue included an industry round table discussion, submissions and consultations with stakeholders. The ASU National Office (on behalf of all Branches) was involved. We have now lodged our…

The scare campaign against action on climate change has once again been proved wrong by international research showing up to one million new Australian jobs would be created by positive investment in clean energy, say unions. Globally unions are calling for increased private and public investment in clean energy technologies…

The GROW draft agreement has been issued by management and subject to a ballot of staff commencing 11 May and closing 18 May 2012. Unfortunately the final draft agreement is not one the ASU could recommend to members. The offer is for a 4 year agreement with 3% pay increase…

Rallies in support of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) occurred today around the country. The ASU has been promoting this campaign and we have been pleased to hear the Prime Minister's historic announcement today that the NDIS will begin to launch next year. Prime Minister's announcement Today, thousands of…

A $26 a week wage increase should be granted to low-paid workers to maintain a safety net and ensure they do not fall further behind average income earners, say unions. In its reply submission for the 2012 Annual Wage Review by Fair Work Australia, the ACTU is urging the Panel…