The Australian Unions Support Centre provides free and confidential assistance and information for all workplace issues. We’re here to provide support, regardless of your job or industry. All Support Centre enquiries are 100% confidential.
Phone: 1300 486 466
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Last night’s election outcome is a win for workers across the country. But it’s not the end of our campaigning efforts. It’s a new beginning.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/22/yesterday-australia-voted/
To deal with wages growth, we need to deal with job insecurity and fix the broken collective bargaining system.
Here’s a look back on the year that was, with a view toward the future we can create.
There’s a lot of noise from employers at the moment about not being able to find workers. Even with millions of workers returning to the labour force after falling out of work during the pandemic, employers – apparently – simply cannot find anyone to fill vacancies. In response, the Morrison Government has announced this week…
The end to lockdowns and restrictions is bittersweet, we can all celebrate seeing our sorely missed family and friends and newfound freedoms, but we would be lying to ourselves if we thought that we were all coming out of this equally. Our frontline workers are exhausted, with 4 in 5 teachers now considering leaving the…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/11/10/workers-battle-stagnant-wages/
The Morrison Government’s Plan for Australia to reach net zero emissions by 2050, released this week, has been widely criticised domestically and internationally, for it highlights that the Morrison Government is not simply passive or inactive in the face of climate change; it is actively pursuing and facilitating it, and is happy to sacrifice lives, the environment, and the economy in the pursuit of short-term political gain, writes Lauren Piko.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/29/the-world-deserves-better/
The crucial educational, social and economic role of early childhood education and care (ECEC) has been further highlighted over the past two years, as the interruptions of lockdowns and distancing have exacerbated longstanding barriers to accessing free, high-quality, ECEC in Australia, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/22/ecec-is-essential/
2021 has been a year for breaking grim records. As of June 2020, according to ABS statistics, more Australians than ever are working multiple jobs. In the past, a single income from one decent, secure job was enough to feed, clothe and house a family of five. Around about that time, that one income was…
The Morrison Government’s mismanagement of the pandemic continues with plans to cut COVID payments, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/08/cutting-disaster-payments/
The Pandora Papers have revealed how Australia’s wealthiest are cheating our tax system. When is Morrison going to do something about it?
Unions have spoken out against Morrison’s nuclear submarine deal, setting out safe and peaceful alternatives, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/01/unions-speak-out-against-nuclear-submarines/
Australians are facing an organised campaign by far-right activists to undermine confidence in our life saving public health response, writes Sally McManus
Australian support of a vaccine waiver is bringing us closer to vaccine equity, but the Government must follow through, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/09/17/global-vaccine-equity/
Healthcare workers are the irreplaceable heart of our healthcare system. They must be better supported through the surge in COVID cases, writes Lauren Piko.
This week, the Senate debated a partial, incomplete and cherry-picked list of recommendations which were drawn from the Sex Discrimination Commission’s Respect@Work report, published over a year ago.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/09/03/respect-at-work/
The insecure work crisis is hitting the workers of Tasmania hard. Tasmania has the highest level of casual work (26.6%) in the country – that’s 4.7% higher than the national average. Tasmanian workers earn 13% less than the Australian median weekly wage. One in three workers in Tasmania are on insecure work arrangements including casual,…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/09/02/spotlight-on-job-insecurity-and-wages-tasmania/
Last week, the Australian Bureau of Statistics published their employment and wage price index for the June quarter. We take a look beyond the numbers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/31/unstable-work-and-wages/
Addressing the inequalities in Australia’s housing market is essential to our economic recovery, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/20/housing-must-be-considered-in-economic-recovery/
In the wake of the IPCC report, the Morrison Government can’t keep hiding behind climate spin. The time for an energy transition is now, writes Lauren Piko.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/13/australias-energy-transition-is-long-overdue/
With over half the country in lockdown, Morrison must stop shifting blame to the individual for vaccine rollout failures, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/06/collective-support-not-individual-blame/
An economic and structural reboot of the cultural sector is needed to ensure this vital sector survives the pandemic, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/30/rebooting-the-cultural-sector-is-vital/
Without a JobKeeper wage subsidy, lockdowns will keep exacerbating and further entrenching patterns of inequality, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/16/safeguard-in-a-public-health-crisis/
It’s time to face the truth. Our wages problem is because of the weak bargaining power of workers, writes ACTU Secretary Sally McManus
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/14/no-economic-recovery-without-a-wages-recovery/
The Coalition’s track record on Medicare warrants greater scrutiny of new changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/09/why-medicare-reforms-need-greater-scrutiny/
From group chats to TikTok, the next gen of activists are inventing new ways to fight for a better future for all, writes Tom Quinlivan.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/06/25/meet-the-next-gen-of-activists-shaking-things-up/
Banks are set to profit as workers stand to lose thousands in retirement funds from Government changes to superannuation.
Changes to Medicare will leave some with unexpected out-of-pocket medical costs. What are these changes and what do they mean for you?
The Morrison Government’s bungled vaccination rollout has put workers and vulnerable people at potentionally deadly risk, writes Chloe Ward.
The budget has failed as a plan to revive Australia’s social infrastructure and as a plan for economic recovery, writes Chloe Ward
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/05/13/this-budget-is-a-failure/
Our international partners are getting on with transitioning to a zero-carbon economy, showing climate transition can go hand in hand with job creation, but the Morrison government continue to make excuses for their inaction.
A real, meaningful increase to the minimum wage is not only the right thing to do, but makes plenty of sense, writes Chloe Ward.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/04/09/making-the-case-for-a-living-wage/
This time last year, Australian Unions fought for, and won, JobKeeper. This week, the Morrison Government has taken it away, with no plans for a replacement, writes Chloe Ward.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/04/02/the-end-of-jobkeeper-and-those-left-behind/
This week’s floods in New South Wales are a warning of things to come—and of what we must do to support workers through the challenges of climate change, writes Chloe Ward.
The Morrison Government’s IR Bill passed the Senate yesterday, stripped of all but one of its major provisions. This was a win for unions, workers, and the community who campaigned against the changes, writes Chloe Ward.
Thousands of people have taken to the streets to voice their anger at the sexual violence faced by women in Australia and the failings of the Government to take meaningful action against it.
What did we learn?
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/16/enough-is-enough-5-takeaways-from-march4justice/
You’ve heard a lot from me about the dangers of the Morrison Government’s IR Omnibus Bill. That’s because it’s important. It will entrench casualisation, undermine wages and conditions, and stall Australia’s recovery from the Covid-19 recession.
Like many who have seen Australia’s aged care system up close, I wasn’t surprised by the Royal Commission into Aged Care’s damning conclusions.
In the past two weeks, we have seen Scott Morrison and his ministers do everything they can to avoid scrutiny, and accountability, for their botched response to Brittany Higgins’ accusation of rape against a former Liberal Party colleague.
There could not be a greater contrast with Higgins’ courage, determination, and clarity.
The Morrison Government’s backdown on one of the most dangerous parts of its industrial relations bill is a step in the right direction for workers—but this fight is far from over.
End the uncertainty and anxiety about the future of JobKeeper.
That was the message from ACTU Secretary, Sally McManus, to Scott Morrison on ABC TV’s “Insiders” yesterday.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/02/15/end-jobkeeper-uncertainty/
The Senate Inquiry into the Government’s dangerous and extreme industrial relations Bill has just begun.
With Federal Parliament back in session, the fight over the Morrison Government’s Industrial Relations Bill is heating up.
Australian Unions oppose the Coalition’s dangerous plans—because they’re bad for wages, bad for workers’ conditions, and bad for the economy.
As a “get to know you” – we should each do “First Job/Worst Job”, talking
about our first ever job and the job the job from hell we once had.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/11/24/first-job-worst-job-and-lisa-alexander-world-champ/
In what’s been an already devasting year, it’s fair to say Victorians have had an especially rough week.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/08/10/paid-pandemic-leave-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/
In July 2020, Australian Unions launched a new program to enable workers who are not eligible for union membership to support and engage with the union movement.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/07/29/the-australian-unions-supporter-program/
Michele O’Neil interviewed young workers and how they were affected by COVID-19.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/07/22/in-conversation-young-workers/
After tribunal rejection, ACTU doubles down on paid pandemic leave for all.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/07/09/paid-pandemic-leave-for-all/
Check out our special briefing from Sally McManus about the discussions that we are having with the Morrison Government.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/06/25/ir-reform-discussions/
Each year, Australian Unions works to increase the minimum wage for all workers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/06/21/the-minimum-wage-will-increase-2020/
Read the full article here
With Zoom becoming the go to platform for work and social gatherings the Australian Unions team has created some union inspired virtual Zoom backgrounds.
Erinna asks:
I’ve been a casual here for nearly 3 years.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/10/03/im-a-casual-worker-but-i-want-to-be-made-permanent/
R asks:
There was a thing on the noticeboard at work from the owner saying that those of us who worked last Saturday night would have our pay docked as a tray of glasses was dropped when someone slipped loading the glass washer and everything got broken.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/09/10/can-our-boss-charge-us-for-breakages/
Francesca asks:
One of my finds sliced open his hand at work over the weekend.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/05/22/how-do-i-make-my-workplace-safe/
Sanjeev asks:
I finished year 12 last year and I’m starting to look for a job.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/02/02/job-hunting-and-facebook-approach-with-caution/
Daniel asks:
What’s the go with work functions? There were drinks last week for one of the people who were retiring.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/11/29/do-work-rules-apply-at-work-parties/
Wassim asks: I’m going to start an apprenticeship to be a mechanic next month. I’m worried because I can’t afford to take time off from work to go to TAFE. My sister says I should be paid when I go to TAFE. Is she right? Congratulations Wassim! I have some good news for you –…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/10/12/should-apprentices-be-paid-for-going-to-training-2/
Warren asks: I’ve been called in for a meeting tomorrow morning.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/09/12/ive-been-called-in-for-a-meeting-about-safety/
K asks: I have been here for two months and no one talks to me.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/09/01/no-one-talks-to-me-at-work/
Jak ask: I’ve just started my first job.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/08/25/my-boss-told-me-i-dont-need-to-join-a-union/
Alanna asks: I work as a permanent staff member in the kitchen out the back of a gourmet shop making cakes and biscuits, which are sold in the shop.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/08/21/my-boss-has-asked-me-to-get-an-abn/
Jordan asks: I am currently working for a company that is not paying our tax or super and doesn’t give us pay slips.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/08/07/underpaid-wages/
About Australia’s wage growth is at a record low, but the Government wants to give a $65 billion dollar tax cut to big business. Big business has too much power, and this is just more special treatment from the Government. Many businesses already thumb their noses at paying their taxes, exploiting loopholes to offshore profits…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/06/08/our-tax-system-is-broken/
The trade union movement has suffered a devastating loss, with the passing yesterday of Helen Kelly, the former President of New Zealand’s Council of Trade Unions.
Last week’s ABS employment data raised the usual discussion about unemployment trends across the country.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2016/09/21/underemployment-a-growing-conver/
By Ged Kearney, ACTU President
Malcolm Turnbull’s recent description of budget management as a ‘moral challenge’ suggests that he is aware of the complex, real world stakes at play.
By Ged Kearney, President of the ACTU
Today is Equal Pay Day.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2016/09/08/government-must-act-on-gender-pay-gap/
The long awaited return of Parliament is tomorrow, and there are plenty of interesting storylines to look out for as the 45th Parliament begins.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2016/08/29/six-things-to-look-for-as-parliament-returns/
The 2016 Census was a slow motion train crash.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2016/08/25/censusfail-the-cpsu-perspective/
One of the defining concepts that underpins much of Malcolm Turnbull’s economic ideas – and pretty much every conservative government going back to Reagan and Thatcher in the 1980s – is the belief in “trickle down”.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2016/08/23/trickle-down-inequality-exposed/
The Wave Hill Walk Off was one of the key events of modern Australian history.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2016/08/22/fifty-years-since-the-wave-hill-walk-off/
Maree asks: We just found out yesterday that my dad has mesothelioma.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/06/16/support-for-asbestos-victims/
Leonie asks: I work for the local council and I’ve just now changed jobs within the council.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/04/24/should-i-be-paid-for-any-overtime-i-work/
Erin asks: If I normally work on a day when a public holiday falls but I’m sick on that day and so don’t go in, would I get penalty rates?Penalty rates are payable if people work on a public holiday, but aren’t paid if the day is taken off.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/04/17/do-i-still-get-penalty-rates-if-im-sick-that-day/
Liam asks: I’ve been doing the same work for about 10 years.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/02/13/how-can-i-recognise-sham-contracting/
Eva asks: I am a cleaner and we clean toilets and showers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2015/02/03/how-do-i-complain-about-unpleasant-odours/
Leon asks: My employer says she doesn’t have to pay me the amount set down in the Award as when I started working for her the Award said I was paid at a lower rate.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2014/12/01/am-i-being-paid-correctly-under-my-award/
Laurel asks: I’m pregnant but I haven’t told my boss yet.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2014/10/27/light-duties-when-pregnant/
Casey asks: I’m working at a kitchen that is non-ventilated and is already reaching 33 degrees.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2014/10/20/what-are-my-rights-when-working-in-heat/
James asks: My boss has asked me to obtain an ABN.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2014/10/03/my-boss-wants-me-to-have-an-abn/
Gavin asks: I didn’t get my annual leave pay and when I left the job.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2014/08/06/i-didnt-get-my-annual-leave-pay-when-i-quit/
Joan asks: Is it possible to get extra leave for things aren’t family related? Like moving house or taking an animal to the vet?Extra leave, which isn’t covered by the NES (such as moving leave or pet related leave) is the sort of entitlement that can be negotiated for by a union in an Enterprise Bargaining Agreement.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2014/02/10/non-family-related-leave/
Sandra asks: I have been given a written warning at work for talking behind people’s backs; they said I am the worst one at this in our store.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/10/25/how-to-deal-with-a-written-warning/
My employer says I can’t join the union, is that true? Do I have to tell my employer if I join?
No.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/06/05/frequently-asked-questions/
Question posted by Michael: Hi, I am wondering if anyone can point me in the correct direction regarding what union to join etc, I work in the security industry and to be honest I am sick of the BS, the company I currently works for has basically lied time and time again about rosters, fly in and fly out dates and the change of roster regarding pay.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/06/03/help-for-the-security-industry/
Question posted by John: I injured the tendons in my hand at work and I had to work the next day and my hand swelled up.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/06/02/injury-at-work/
Question posted by Glenn: I am currently a third year apprentice chef for a pub/ hotel, with no accommodation I am 25 years old and I receive $13 an hour, no extra money for the weekend and I am full time.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/06/02/apprentice-pay/
Question posted by Sonia: My husband is a disability support worker who attended a compulsory training course in work hours and was told he was not going to be paid for that time.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/06/02/no-pay-for-compulsory-training/
On Saturday 14 October, Australia will have the opportunity to vote in a once-in-a-generation referendum. The question is a simple one and proposes a modest change to our constitution – to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the practical form of a Voice to Parliament.
Yesterday the inquiry into Price Gouging and Unfair Pricing Practices commenced in Melbourne, convened by economist and former ACCC chair Professor Allan Fels and commissioned by the ACTU.
