Right to disconnect: Tony Burke defends “reasonable” out-of-hours contact as SMEs demand to see fine print
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke says it is reasonable for employers to email staff and enquire about shifts outside of working hours, as the debate about the 'right to disconnect' heats up.
Labor reworks casual rules, gig economy changes in amended IR Bill
The Albanese government has scrapped its plan to impose civil penalties for breaching some casual work rules, and offered assurances that 'employee-like' gig workers will not count as full employees, in a fresh round of amendments to its IR Bill.
Small business groups “disappointed” as Labor blocks debate on specific IR reforms
The Albanese government has swatted away the Coalition's bid to debate four widely-supported industrial relations reforms in the House of Representatives.
Pocock, Lambie renew push to split contentious IR bill package
The laws should be split so employees with post-traumatic stress or facing domestic violence can be protected sooner, senators have urged.
IR reforms: Penalties dropped and casual rules clarified in win for employers
The federal government has ceded ground to employer groups on contentious IR reform package, agreeing to change key proposals related to casual work.
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.
John Durie: COSBOA chief says IR reforms could represent a barrier to new jobs
The political breakthrough over the government’s industrial relations reform has left small business very concerned about the consequences, according to COSBOA chief Alexi Boyd.
Why giving workers the right to disconnect should be a key pillar of IR reforms
Until we take a holistic approach to workplace reform, productivity, life-work balance, and wage growth, we will risk only achieving less than optimum outcomes.
Explainer: What is the definition of casual work and how will the IR reforms change it?
The federal government is today unveiling its industrial relations omnibus bill in parliament which includes, for the first time, a statutory definition of casual employment in the Fair Work Act.
Cafe owners broadly support IR changes, but “grey areas” remain
Cafe owners are not fazed by the government’s plan to require employers to offer their long-term casual staff full- or part-time contracts.
Government unveils IR reform package — here’s what it means for SMEs
The Morrison government will unveil its industrial relations bill this week, proposing a suite of changes, including to casual employment.
IR reforms could see higher casual wages for retail and hospitality workers
The government's IR reforms could see a new definition of casual work and a higher rate of pay for retail and hospitality workers.
