ACTU says workers will ban engineered stone themselves if regulators don’t act
Australia's union movement says its members will forbid the use and transportation of engineered stone unless governments formally ban it outright, escalating pressure on businesses which process and use the popular material in home construction.
A major minimum wage hike and impending super increase will hammer small businesses, industry representatives fear
The federal government has maintained its call for the national minimum wage to move in line with inflation, heralding the possibility of significant back-to-back increases flowing through to small business employers.
Jim Chalmers shoots down fears of wage-price spiral after unions call for 7% increase to the minimum wage
Australia's minimum wages should rise by a 7% to keep pace with inflation, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) argues, as the Fair Work Commission (FWC) deliberates on how it should boost the earnings of roughly 2.6 million workers.
John Durie: COSBOA in turmoil amid internal investigation and politicians’ calls for CEO Alexi Boyd to be sacked
The future of COSBOA CEO Alexi Boyd hangs in the balance today, after calls for her sacking from the federal Opposition and board leaks showing she was rolled on the industrial relations campaign last week.
Opinion: Labor has broken its promises to small business, so it’s time Julie Collins resigned
Collins is either a lame-duck minister or is actually working behind closed doors with other ministers and with the ACTU to make life harder for those she supposedly represents, says Peter Strong.
Labor to introduce bill banning pay secrecy rules, leaves door open for action on multi-employer bargaining
The federal government will next week introduce an industrial relations reform bill it hopes will drive wage growth and secure fairer working conditions.
John Durie: COSBOA confirms it “does not support the unionisation of small business” in response criticism of ACTU deal
COSBOA has formally releases a statement of intent in the wake of internal and external criticism of its pre-Jobs Summit deal with the Australian Council of Trade Unions.
John Durie: ACCI boss brings in former Costello staffer as economics policy chief
David Alexander has served a number of roles since working for the former treasurer, most recently with government relations firm Barton Deakin.
John Durie: Members express concern over ACTU communications, but COSBOA says issues have been addressed
The NSW Lotteries and Newsagents Association and the Independent Food Distributors Association are among the COSBOA members which have expressed concern at the lack of consultation regarding the ACTU meeting.
John Durie: COSBOA to clarify industrial relations position as chair plays down talk of internal disagreements
COSBOA chair Matthew Addison has rejected suggestions that either his or chief executive Alexi Boyd’s positions were in jeopardy as a result of the controversy surrounding the federal government's recent Jobs Summit.
Peter Strong: What was missing from the Jobs Summit, and why the government must be wary of unions
The summit of course could not focus on everything as there is never enough time. So, what was missed when it comes to lifting productivity and growing wages?
Government to push ahead with multi-employer bargaining, changes to BOOT
The government will bring in early legislation for multi-employer bargaining this year, along with a range of other changes to the industrial relations system.
