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.
After $197 million cut the Entrepreneurs’ Programme will be assessed again next budget
The controversial Entrepreneurs' Programme will be re-assessed again ahead of the next budget, the Department of Industry, Science and Resources has confirmed with SmartCompany.
COSBOA defends agreement with ACTU after big business organisations challenge multi-employer bargaining
On the dawn of the Jobs Summit, COSBOA has refuted claims its in-principle agreement with union leaders could undermine the case for business interests.
Peter Strong: Labor has made a good start, but it must never forget small business people
The small business community will be closely watching where this government moves on the economy and on removing the cumbersome complexity that bedevils workplace relations, writes Peter Strong.
Morrison flags return to 2021’s industrial relations reforms as Labor, unions say tweaks will cut wages
The Coalition says it is still committed to industrial relations reform, despite Labor and unions saying the changes would lower wages.
Employer groups question “illogical” Victorian sick leave plan for casuals
Employer groups say the Victorian government's plan to offer casual workers sick leave via a pilot scheme will hinder the state's economic recovery.
Industry groups hit back at COSBOA’s claims they do not represent small business
Small business associations and employer groups continue to argue over the failed outcome of the industrial relations omnibus bill, which passed the Senate last month.
Conflict beats consensus in IR again, says COSBOA chair Mark McKenzie
McKenzie says conflict and zero-compromise behaviours must be relegated to pre-COVID IR history, where they belong.
“A bargaining chip”: Morrison government withdraws underpayment provisions in heavily amended IR bill
The Coalition has ditched underpayment laws in its IR omnibus bill, which would have cracked down on serious cases of wage theft.
Industry groups push for a swift vote on the IR omnibus bill
Leading industry groups are urging senate crossbenchers to support the industrial relations omnibus bill.
Business groups react to Labor’s plan to force companies to publish gender pay gap data
Companies with at least 250 staff could have the size of their gender pay gap revealed publicly, under a plan from the federal Labor party.
Small business groups and unions strike deal to give part-timers in retail extra hours without penalty rates
COSBOA and the ACTU are jointly supporting changes to the retail award, which will allow more than 1 million part-time employees to work extra shifts without receiving penalty rates.
