Working Life

Don’t let your retirement savings become a super-massive black hole

Date Published: 18/09/2024
Category: Superannuation Working Life

How would you feel if your boss opened your wallet, took cash out, and kept it for themselves – and got away with it? That’s exactly what is happening right now in super accounts all across Australia.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/09/18/dont-let-your-retirement-savings-become-a-super-massive-black-hole/

Union members win change this financial year

Date Published: 04/07/2024
Category: Campaign Rights at Work Wages Working Life

Today’s the start of a new financial year, and a number of changes that benefit workers – and workers’ wallets – have come into effect.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/07/04/union-members-win-change-this-financial-year/

Six wins for workers to celebrate on 1 July

Date Published: 20/06/2024
Category: Campaign Rights at Work Wages Working Life

In just over one week, millions of workers across Australia will start to see a boost to their pay packets and increased safety in their workplaces.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/06/20/six-wins-for-workers-to-celebrate-on-1-july/

This International Women’s Day, union women are celebrating…

Date Published: 08/03/2024
Category: Wages Women Working Life

On this International Women’s Day, there’s much to celebrate – from the tough, tireless working women who fought for better conditions, liveable wages and autonomy throughout the last two centuries; right through to the victories won by working women over the past year.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/03/08/this-international-womens-day-union-women-are-celebrating/

Good riddance, Scomo

Date Published: 29/02/2024
Category: Politics and Big Business Working Life

This week Australians say goodbye to former Prime Minister Scott Morrison. He leaves behind a legacy of rabid attacks against working Australians and a consistent disavowal of accountability.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/02/29/good-riddance-scomo/

The future of hybrid work in Australia

Date Published: 20/02/2024
Category: Rights at Work Working Life

For many workers, increased flexibility to work from home has dramatically increased their sense of well-being and ability to successfully balance the demands of work and life.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/02/20/the-future-of-hybrid-work-in-australia/

Medicare 40th Anniversary

Date Published: 02/02/2024
Category: Social Justice Working Life

It’s thanks to the dedication of unionists over many years that we have Medicare today. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/02/02/medicare-40th-anniversary/

Cost of living bonus for all working people

Date Published: 25/01/2024
Category: Politics and Big Business Social Justice Working Life

Good news – the Albanese government’s new tax-cut plan will provide cost-of-living relief for those who desperately need it most: Australian workers and their families.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/01/25/cost-of-living-bonus-for-working-people/

Pivot for Australian netball: Diamonds win fair pay through union action

Date Published: 13/12/2023
Category: Women Working Life

The Diamonds, Australia’s incredible Super Netball team, have showcased not only their prowess on the court, but also their collective strength off it.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/12/13/pivot-for-australian-netball-diamonds-win-fair-pay-through-union-action/

Beyond the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

Date Published: 07/12/2023
Category: Social Justice Women Working Life

Today is Human Rights Day, and the final day of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign held every year.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/12/07/beyond-the-16-days-of-activism-against-gender-based-violence/

Shocking stories from the frontline of the Price Gouging Inquiry

Date Published: 15/11/2023
Category: Politics and Big Business Social Justice Working Life

The final hearing for the Inquiry into price gouging and unfair pricing practices – chaired by Professor Allan Fels AO – wrapped up in Canberra yesterday, with the Inquiry report to be released later this year.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/11/15/shocking-stories-from-the-front-line-of-the-price-gouging-inquiry/

Australians agree: big business have too much power

Date Published: 14/11/2023
Category: Politics and Big Business Social Justice Working Life

Reckon big business have too much power?

You’re not alone – nearly two thirds of Australians think so too.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/11/14/australians-agree-big-business-have-too-much-power/

There’s nothing spookier than a Big Business scare campaign

Date Published: 31/10/2023
Category: Politics and Big Business Social Justice Working Life

Happy Halloween to the Big Business lobby groups who for months have been telling spooky stories about why we can’t close the loopholes.  The truth: They’re scared of what will happen to their mega profits if they have to pay people properly.  Let’s take a look at the downright lunacy of Big Business scare campaigns….

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/10/31/theres-nothing-spookier-than-a-big-business-scare-campaign/

Udderly Outraged: Workers Demand Better Conditions in Dairy Strike!

Date Published: 20/10/2023
Category: Campaign Rights at Work Working Life

This week, 1400 striking workers in the Victorian dairy industry have set a powerful example of what workers can achieve when they stand together and take action.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/10/20/dairy-industry-workers-unite-to-win-change-through-inspiring-union-action/

Once upon a time in America…

Date Published: 06/10/2023
Category: Social Justice Working Life

We extend our solidarity and congratulations to every unionist on the Hollywood writers’ strike picket line, who have achieved a provisional deal following a 146-day strike – one of the longest writers’ strikes in US history. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/10/06/once-upon-a-time-in-america/

The Allan Fels Inquiry into Price Gouging kicks off in Melbourne

Date Published: 22/09/2023
Category: Politics and Big Business Social Justice Working Life

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.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/09/22/the-allan-fels-inquiry-into-price-gouging-kicks-off-in-melbourne/

15 per cent pay rise for all!… CEOs, that is

Date Published: 15/06/2023
Category: Working Life

You couldn’t make this up.  A new report shows that executives at some of Australia’s biggest companies have recorded pay increases of 15 percent over the last year.  Fifteen percent. On top on salaries that already start at well over an average of one million dollars.  These are the very same big business bosses who…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/06/15/15-per-cent-pay-rise-for-all-ceos-that-is/

Further interest rate rises? Corporate profiteering is to blame

Date Published: 05/06/2023
Category: Working Life

Tomorrow, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will meet to discuss whether to deliver an interest rate for the twelfth time since April last year. If the decision is to lift interest rates yet again, it will be corporate profiteering – the greed-price spiral – that is to blame. Between the RBA and big business, average Australians are bearing…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/06/05/further-interest-rate-rises-corporate-profiteering-is-to-blame/

Last night’s Budget – what’s it mean for workers?

Date Published: 10/05/2023
Category: Working Life

In a nutshell, what the Budget contains is a good start for workers – but there’s more work to do.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/05/10/last-nights-budget-whats-it-mean-for-workers/

What goes into making the video games Australians love?

Date Published: 01/05/2023
Category: Working Life

When you encounter the term ‘gamer’, the word often conjures up an image of teenage boys glued to game consoles for hours on end. But it’s a stereotype that has very little to do with who actually plays video games in Australia.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/05/01/what-goes-into-making-the-video-games-australians-love/

Do Millennials and Gen Z really have it that tough?

Date Published: 21/04/2023
Category: Social Justice Wages Working Life

They grew up during the Global Financial Crisis, survived a decade of conservative governments, and now are well and truly adults. Millennials are thirty, flirty and so not thriving.  

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/04/21/do-millennials-and-gen-z-really-have-it-that-tough/

Quiet Firing: How to spot the signs and what you can do about it

Date Published: 17/04/2023
Category: Working Life

You willingly quit your job. But get this – you didn’t really have any other choice. Because you were intentionally driven out. What’s worse is that you were slowly forced out by your very own boss or supervisor.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/04/17/quiet-firing-how-to-spot-the-signs-and-what-you-can-do-about-it/

Quiet hiring and other ways you could be missing out on pay

Date Published: 29/03/2023
Category: Working Life

Instead of hiring new employees, large companies sneakily dump current staff with more tasks and responsibilities.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/03/29/quiet-hiring-and-other-ways-you-could-be-missing-out-on-pay/

Pinkwashing examples that take the (rainbow) cake

Date Published: 22/02/2023
Category: Social Justice Working Life

Here are some examples to help you figure out what is genuinely queer friendly, and what is undermining the LGBTIQA+ community – and not just during Mardi Gras.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/02/22/pinkwashing-examples-that-take-the-rainbow-cake/

Wage theft harms two thirds of workers. Here is how to check if that’s you.

Date Published: 14/01/2023
Category: Working Life

It’s not just a little bit of unpaid overtime here, a bit of cash-in-hand there. New research found that two thirds of workers in Australia are not receiving their full salary.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/01/14/wage-theft-harms-two-thirds-of-workers-here-is-how-to-check-if-thats-you/

New year, new protections for job hunters

Date Published: 13/01/2023
Category: Working Life

As of 7 January 2023, employers across Australia will be charged a hefty fine of up to $16,500 if found advertising for jobs at a rate below the minimum wage.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/01/13/new-year-new-protections-for-job-hunters/

Summer Reads for Unionists

Date Published: 04/01/2023
Category: Working Life

How are you spending your hot union summer? There’s nothing like curling up with a book to recover from a boxing day retail shift or to relax before work kicks off again for the new year.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/01/04/summer-reads-for-unionists/

Why 2023 is the year to sort out your superannuation

Date Published: 16/12/2022
Category: Superannuation Working Life

Retirement may seem a long way down the track but the money you need to have for a decent retirement cannot be accumulated overnight. It pays – literally – to get on top of your super sooner rather than later.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/12/16/why-2023-is-the-year-to-sort-out-your-superannuation/

2022: Together, we made history

Date Published: 16/12/2022
Category: Working Life

If nothing else, 2022 has shown us the power of collective action can extend far beyond the workplace, into all aspects of our everyday lives. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/12/16/2022-together-we-made-history/

Employees at Twitter say enough is enough

Date Published: 02/12/2022
Category: Working Life

After one short month, half of Twitter’s global workforce has been cut, with many former employees claiming they received almost no warning. Those who remained were promptly told to commit to working “hardcore” – provoking a #SleepWhereYouWork mentality – with a caveat that those who don’t will be shown the door.  

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/12/02/employees-at-twitter-say-enough-is-enough/

Band-aids, football, and the gender pay gap. Here’s the news you might’ve missed this month.

Date Published: 28/11/2022
Category: Working Life

It’s been a whirlwind of a month. We’ve rounded up some of the big stories affecting workers across the country and the world.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/11/28/band-aids-football-and-the-gender-pay-gap-heres-the-news-you-mightve-missed-this-month/

There’d Be No FIFA World Cup Without Workers

Date Published: 27/11/2022
Category: Working Life

Since Qatar was awarded the right to host the World Cup, over 6500 migrant workers – human beings held in indentured labour – have died.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/11/27/thered-be-no-fifa-world-cup-without-workers/

Collective action on a global scale

Date Published: 25/11/2022
Category: Working Life

While day-to-day working life may differ vastly between union members across the globe, the bottom line is universal. Workers everywhere share the same fundamental concerns: job security, just conditions, a fair wage and social protection.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/11/25/collective-action-on-a-global-scale/

Will you go home on time today?

Date Published: 23/11/2022
Category: Working Life

Have you ever counted how many hours of extra work you do with no pay?

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/11/23/will-you-go-home-on-time-today/

How updated work laws will help Australians survive ‘greedflation’

Date Published: 18/11/2022
Category: Working Life

Most of us would take 2,332 years to earn the same amount as the highest paid CEO. We may as well live on different planets.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/11/18/how-updated-work-laws-will-help-australians-survive-greedflation/

Robbin’ People: Tales of a Bad Boss

Date Published: 04/11/2022
Category: Working Life

Everyone has a bad boss story. Robyn Peeples is fictional but I could swear I’ve met him several iterations of him in various workplaces before. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/11/04/robbin-people-tales-of-a-bad-boss/

What is ‘roster justice’ and why are we fighting for it?

Date Published: 04/11/2022
Category: Working Life

Ever had to drop everything after your boss calls you asking if you can come into work on your day off? Perhaps you’ve had the opposite problem – finding out at the last minute that you won’t be getting enough shifts to pay your bills the following week.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/11/04/what-is-roster-justice-and-why-are-we-fighting-for-it/

Feel like you’re being watched at work? It’s not just the Halloween spooks.

Date Published: 31/10/2022
Category: Working Life

Do you ever get the feeling someone is watching you? It’s not just because it’s the spookiest day of the year – it could be your employer.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/31/feel-like-youre-being-watched-at-work-its-not-just-the-halloween-spooks/

Union members kick back against ‘sportwashing’ for FIFA World Cup

Date Published: 29/10/2022
Category: Rights at Work Working Life

“There are universal values that should define football. Values such as respect, dignity, trust and courage.”

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/29/union-members-kick-back-against-sportwashing-for-fifa-world-cup/

A budget that offers some reprieve for workers but doesn’t finish the puzzle

Date Published: 26/10/2022
Category: Working Life

The Albanese Government announced funding decisions in the Federal Budget last night that will impact the lives of millions. We’re here to help you pull out the bits you need to know.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/26/a-budget-that-offers-some-reprieve-for-workers-but-doesnt-finish-the-puzzle/

Three things workers need to see in tonight’s Federal Budget

Date Published: 25/10/2022
Category: Politics and Big Business Wages Working Life

Prices on everything are going up but our wages have failed to match those increases. The budget is a chance to turn the trend around. But don’t just take it from us. It’s what the experts are saying too.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/25/three-things-workers-need-to-see-in-tonights-federal-budget/

Together we can take the stress out of returning to work as a parent

Date Published: 21/10/2022
Category: Working Life

Let’s talk about what can be done to take the stress out of returning to work as a new parent and how can we fix some of the challenges it presents for workers. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/21/together-we-can-take-the-stress-out-of-returning-to-work-as-a-parent/

Expanded parental leave a big step forward for working parents

Date Published: 19/10/2022
Category: Working Life

In a piece of good news for working parents, the Albanese Government has committed to expand access to Paid Parental Leave to 26 weeks among other important changes.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/19/expanded-parental-leave-a-big-step-forward-for-working-parents/

Working from home during a rental crisis

Date Published: 14/10/2022
Category: Working Life

A recent Four Corners investigation exposed the dismal realities of renting in Australia, with many people struggling to secure a roof over their heads in the face of depressingly low vacancy rates and exceedingly high rental prices. For many renters, this only solidified what we already knew, and the problem doesn’t stop there. The first…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/14/working-from-home-during-a-rental-crisis/

What Australians would rather see billions spent on instead of tax cuts for the rich

Date Published: 12/10/2022
Category: Working Life

There has been a great deal of media and political fuss made over ‘Stage 3 tax cuts’ but rather than become lost in the numbers, let’s have a look at what they mean for workers.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/12/what-australians-would-rather-see-billions-spent-on-instead-of-tax-cuts-for-the-rich/

Three ways to get a pay rise

Date Published: 07/10/2022
Category: Working Life

The bills are coming in with higher numbers than ever, but our incomes are falling further behind. We need a pay rise. But how do we make it happen? We’ve rounded up the three best ways to get your next wage increase. Spoiler alert: all roads lead back to joining your union. 1. The Annual…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/07/three-ways-to-get-a-pay-rise/

Eat, sleep, work (and work… and work…), repeat

Date Published: 30/09/2022
Category: Working Life

While the unemployment rate is at a record low, the number of people working multiple jobs is at an all-time high. Workers everywhere with full-time day jobs are spending their nights, weekends or even lunch breaks driving Ubers, cleaning houses or taking up casual customer service shifts.  These workers are not picking up ‘side hustles’…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/09/30/eat-sleep-work-and-work-and-work-repeat/

We as a country are better, stronger and happier when we work together

Date Published: 29/09/2022
Category: Social Justice Working Life

Sally McManus Address to the National Press Club, Wednesday 28th September 2022 Watch the address here. I want to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land we are meeting on – the Ngunnawal people, and pay respects to their elders, past, present and emerging. The Australian union movement supports the Statement from the Heart calling…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/09/29/we-as-a-country-are-better-stronger-and-happier-when-we-work-together/

Changing the world one workplace at a time? That’s the power of people working in union

Date Published: 23/09/2022
Category: Working Life

When my mother was pregnant with me in the 90s, she fought tooth and nail to become the first woman in her workplace to receive paid maternity leave.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/09/23/changing-the-world-one-workplace-at-a-time-thats-the-power-of-people-working-in-union/

The continuing legacy of industry super funds

Date Published: 16/09/2022
Category: Working Life

For those whose superannuation has been in the hands of for-profit funds throughout their working lives, a stable and sustainable retirement is an unlikely reality. Instead, Australians are finding that the fund they’ve entrusted with their hard-earned retirement savings has far from their best interests at heart. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/09/16/the-continuing-legacy-of-industry-super-funds/

The fair, simple and accessible way we will boost wages

Date Published: 02/09/2022
Category: Social Justice Working Life

Australia needs sustainable pay increases so that working people’s pay keeps up with the cost of living and productivity increases. For this to occur we need to modernise the collective bargaining system.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/09/02/actu-secretary-sally-mcmanus-speech-at-the-jobs-and-skills-summit/

We know what respect for working women looks like. Here’s how we make it happen

Date Published: 02/09/2022
Category: Social Justice Working Life

A fairer approach and simpler right to flexible work arrangements in our workplace laws that recognise the importance for all of us of balancing work and care.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/09/02/we-know-what-respect-for-working-women-looks-like-heres-how-we-make-it-happen/

We need a parental leave system that supports working parents

Date Published: 02/09/2022
Category: Working Life

Women today are told that they can and should seamlessly maintain a perfect balance of work and family life. But our current paid parental leave framework tells us that motherhood is a thankless job in many ways.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/09/02/we-need-a-parental-leave-system-that-supports-working-parents/

Medicare in crisis as bulk billing is in rapid decline

Date Published: 26/08/2022
Category: Working Life

The lesson here is simple: we should never take universal healthcare for granted. Once again, our public health system is under threat and we need to fight to protect it.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/08/26/medicare-in-crisis-as-bulk-billing-is-in-rapid-decline/

Workers are paying the price for corporate greed

Date Published: 19/08/2022
Category: Working Life

Australia is undeniably home to a class of an elite: a small number of multi-millionaires and billionaires who hoard profits earned off the backs of workers and keep it for themselves. Workers have generated great levels of productivity that allow the Australian economy to flourish and yet it is the multi-millionaire CEOs who refuse to fairly share the profits. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/08/19/workers-are-paying-the-price-for-corporate-greed/

Workers’ wages and training need a massive boost

Date Published: 17/08/2022
Category: Wages Working Life

A new report from the Australian Council of Trade Unions calls for the reinvigoration of Australia’s TAFE by guaranteeing a minimum of 70 percent public funding, as well repairing almost a decade of damage to our apprenticeship system.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/08/17/workers-wages-and-training-need-a-massive-boost/

Why workers need to know about the ‘productivity’ problem

Date Published: 12/08/2022
Category: Working Life

CEOs and senior executives often use productivity to refer to the idea that we need minimal resources to produce maximum output. doing the job that two workers used to do.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/08/12/why-workers-need-to-know-about-the-productivity-problem/

Not just mining magnates: Corporate profiteering is happening in your industry too

Date Published: 12/08/2022
Category: Working Life

If corporate profiteering is the Hollywood cowboy riding off into a sunset of success, then workers’ wages are the cacti left in the billowing dust. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/08/12/not-just-mining-magnates-corporate-profiteering-is-happening-in-your-industry-too/

Big business cash in so workers bear the brunt of inflation

Date Published: 04/08/2022
Category: Working Life

We can’t afford to sweep profiteering under the rug while workers are told, once again, that their wages should decrease for the “health of our economy”.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/08/04/big-business-cash-in-so-workers-bear-the-brunt-of-inflation/

Safe jobs for a safe climate

Date Published: 29/07/2022
Category: Working Life

Climate change is union business and there are many ways for Australia to make a just transition and ensure employment security for all its workers.  

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/07/29/safe-jobs-for-a-safe-climate/

What does the Uber Files scandal mean for workers in Australia?

Date Published: 22/07/2022
Category: Working Life

While we’re certainly celebrating the increase to wages and super, we know that bosses don’t always do the right thing and your union is always here to hold them to account.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/07/22/what-does-the-uber-files-scandal-mean-for-workers-in-australia/

Why we can never take our healthcare system for granted

Date Published: 13/07/2022
Category: Social Justice Working Life

Ever walked into a bulk-billing clinic when you or a loved one was sick? It wasn’t so long ago that you would’ve had to pay for that trip to the doctor, no matter how small the ailment.  

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/07/13/why-we-can-never-take-our-healthcare-system-for-granted/

A friendly reminder to check your payslips

Date Published: 12/07/2022
Category: Working Life

While we’re certainly celebrating the increase to wages and super, we know that bosses don’t always do the right thing and your union is always here to hold them to account.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/07/12/a-friendly-reminder-to-check-your-payslips/

Unions still working five years on from international agreement to abolish nuclear weapons

Date Published: 11/07/2022
Category: Working Life

We’ve had international treaties banning the use of biological weapons and chemical weapons for more than thirty years. But did you know it wasn’t until 2017 that we reached the same level of agreement to abolish nuclear weapons?

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/07/11/unions-still-working-five-years-on-from-international-agreement-to-abolish-nuclear-weapons/

We can never take workers’ rights for granted: Here’s what the Roe v Wade decision could mean for you

Date Published: 02/07/2022
Category: Social Justice Women Working Life

As working women in the United States take to the streets in outrage, Australian workers can see clearly how important it is to understand our own rights and ensure they remain protected.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/07/02/we-can-never-take-workers-rights-for-granted-heres-what-the-roe-v-wade-decision-could-mean-for-you/

The long fight for superannuation

Date Published: 01/07/2022
Category: Working Life

Though we may be used to superannuation now, only 29% of workers received super prior to this campaign win in 1992. This was by no means an easy win, but a decades-long, uphill battle met with fierce opposition from businesses and the Liberal Party. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/07/01/the-long-fight-for-superannuation/

A nationalised energy sector is the only way to put consumers first 

Date Published: 24/06/2022
Category: Working Life

When you have the constant threat of an eviction notice hanging over your head, the last thing you need is to be told you’re not needed at work next week. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/06/24/a-nationalised-energy-sector-is-the-only-way-to-put-consumers-first/

The secret union history of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

Date Published: 23/06/2022
Category: Social Justice Working Life

When the police formed their barrier along Oxford Street in Sydney, it was far from the first time gay rights activists had faced police violence.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/06/23/the-secret-union-history-of-the-sydney-gay-and-lesbian-mardi-gras/

Affordable housing requires secure jobs 

Date Published: 17/06/2022
Category: Working Life

When you have the constant threat of an eviction notice hanging over your head, the last thing you need is to be told you’re not needed at work next week. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/06/17/affordable-housing-requires-secure-jobs/

The case for increasing minimum wage

Date Published: 10/06/2022
Category: Working Life

Contrary to misinformation from the business lobby, increasing wages actually helps create more jobs. We have a once-a-year opportunity to raise wages for almost one in four workers. The Australian Council of Trade Unions has called for a 5.5.% increase to the minimum wage as part of the Annual Wage Review.  As happens with each…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/06/10/the-case-for-increasing-minimum-wage/

Presenteeism: what it is and how you can avoid it

Date Published: 03/06/2022
Category: Working Life

In the COVID-19 world, the question of coming to work unwell has become a much bigger conversation. But the truth is, we should have been having these conversations long ago, and it shouldn’t just apply to COVID. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/06/03/presenteeism-what-it-is-and-how-you-can-avoid-it/

Why are we still showing up to work with COVID symptoms?

Date Published: 26/05/2022
Category: Working Life

A recent report from the Australia Institute has found that a concerning number of people are showing up to work either symptomatic or after exposure to the virus. Their findings also suggest that the large majority of these people are young workers in insecure jobs. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/26/why-are-we-still-showing-up-to-work-with-covid-symptoms/

Yesterday, Australia voted.

Date Published: 22/05/2022
Category: Politics and Big Business Social Justice Working Life

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/

Election 2022 recap: what to remember at the polling booths

Date Published: 20/05/2022
Category: Working Life

The last six weeks has certainly been a wild ride, and the 2022 election campaign is finally coming to a close. Before we grab a snag at our local polling centres, here’s a quick revisit some of the highs and lows, the biggest issues and what we should think about when we cast our votes tomorrow.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/20/election-2022-recap-what-to-remember-at-the-polling-booths/

How unions are building queer-friendly workplaces

Date Published: 17/05/2022
Category: Social Justice Working Life

We have had a stellar win for women and LGBTQIA+ workers only yesterday when we won support for 10 days paid family & domestic violence leave in our Fair Work case. We’ve made some huge achievements this year and are striving towards even better workplaces to make sure no one is left behind.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/17/how-unions-are-building-queer-friendly-workplaces/

What can you do about wage theft?

Date Published: 11/05/2022
Category: Working Life

There are various courses of action you can take if you are experiencing wage theft. The best way to start is to contact your union and use their wage theft recovery services. In fact, in nearly every case of wage theft discovery, investigation and recovery, unions are behind it.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/11/what-can-you-do-about-wage-theft/

Five ways union membership can advance your career

Date Published: 10/05/2022
Category: Working Life

Many union members – at all different stages of their careers – are looking for pragmatic and professional reasons to join. So let’s look at five pragmatic reasons to join your union if you’re looking to advance your career. 

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/10/five-ways-union-membership-can-advance-your-career/

What you need to know about insecure work

Date Published: 29/04/2022
Category: Working Life

With the Federal Election fast approaching, Scott Morrison’s government is still missing in action in addressing the insecure work crisis.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/04/29/what-you-need-to-know-about-insecure-work/

Reduced poverty and free childcare are possible, but Morrison refuses to act

Date Published: 29/03/2022
Category: Working Life

Remember that brief period in 2020 when early childhood education and childcare centres were made free for working parents? That scheme lasted three months before it was taken away again.

So what happened?

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/03/29/reduced-poverty-and-free-childcare-are-possible-but-morrison-refuses-to-act/

“Living on the street” – workers share stories of wage stagnation and rising costs of living

Date Published: 09/03/2022
Category: Working Life

Years and years of government economic mismanagement have stacked up.

Insecure work, insufficient disability support, and stagnating wages have left workers with little hope of keeping up with daily prices.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/03/09/living-on-the-street-workers-share-stories-of-wage-stagnation-and-rising-costs-of-living/

Mixed feelings about returning to the office? Here’s what you can do

Date Published: 04/03/2022
Category: Working Life

We’re heading into a new era of work so if you’re feeling unsure about how to navigate a post-pandemic work environment, you’re not the only one.  

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/03/04/mixed-feelings-about-returning-to-the-office-heres-what-you-can-do/

For the Workers campaign launches union membership to infinity and beyond

Date Published: 21/02/2022
Category: Working Life

To continue to make work and life better for everyone, we need our movement to keep growing.

Make sure you are a part of that growth. Joining your union is the best decision anyone can make in their working life. Union members have higher wages, more secure jobs and safer workplaces.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/02/21/for-the-workers-campaign-launches-union-membership-to-infinity-and-beyond/

Sexual harassment and gendered violence is endemic, but cultural change is possible

Date Published: 26/11/2021
Category: Working Life

This week marked the International Day of the Elimination of Violence Against Women, writes Lauren Piko.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/11/26/sexual-harassment-and-gendered-violence-is-endemic/

There is no labour shortage, just a properly paid job shortage

Date Published: 23/11/2021
Category: Working Life

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…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/11/23/there-is-no-labour-shortage-just-a-properly-paid-job-shortage/

As indirect employment rises, working conditions are eroded

Date Published: 19/11/2021
Category: Working Life

The erosion of secure working conditions in Australia and around the world takes many forms, not all of which receive equal levels of attention or recognition, writes Lauren Piko

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/11/19/as-indirect-employment-rises-working-conditions-are-eroded/

The struggle for better conditions is shaped by how we remember it

Date Published: 12/11/2021
Category: Working Life

This week marked the 114th anniversary of the Sunshine Harvester Judgement, widely recognised as a landmark case in Australian industrial history. While this judgement is sometimes simply described as a victory for workers’ rights, the importance of this case, and its relevance today, becomes clearer when it is remembered as an important moment in a…

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/11/12/the-struggle-for-better-conditions-is-shaped-by-how-we-remember-it/

Workers battle stagnant wages and job insecurity while businesses make a profit

Date Published: 10/11/2021
Category: Politics and Big Business Working Life

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/

Early Childhood Education and Care isn’t just an “incentive”: it’s essential national infrastructure

Date Published: 22/10/2021
Category: Social Justice Women Working Life

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/

Unions speak out as Morrison chooses nuclear submarines over public health and climate action

Date Published: 01/10/2021
Category: Climate Working Life

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/

“Essential workers” or just “essential work”? The cruel risks of automation in a pandemic

Date Published: 24/09/2021
Category: Job Security Working Life

As big companies move towards automation for profit, we must ensure essential workers are not treated as expendable, writes Lauren Piko

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/09/24/cruel-risks-of-automation-in-a-pandemic/

Australia must follow through on its commitments to global vaccine equity

Date Published: 17/09/2021
Category: Working Life

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/

Respect@Work must be the starting point

Date Published: 03/09/2021
Category: Rights at Work Women Working Life

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/

Unstable work and wages: a product of political will

Date Published: 31/08/2021
Category: Job Security Politics and Big Business Working Life

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/

Australia has a chance to make workplaces safer, but Morrison is ignoring key rights women fought hard to achieve

Date Published: 25/08/2021
Category: Women Work Health and Safety Working Life

The Government must adopt the Respect@Work recommendations so no worker has to choose between their job and their safety, writes Michele O’Neil

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/25/a-chance-to-make-workplaces-safer/

Nowhere to hide on climate futures – Australia’s energy transition is long overdue

Date Published: 13/08/2021
Category: Climate Working Life

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/

In this together? We need collective support, not individual blame

Date Published: 06/08/2021
Category: Social Justice Working Life

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/

Facing the realities of insecure work

Date Published: 23/07/2021
Category: Working Life

To support workers through the latest COVID crisis, the Government must first face up to the realities of the insure work, writes Lauren Piko

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/23/facing-the-realities-of-insecure-work/

Reactive economic policy is no safeguard in a public health crisis

Date Published: 16/07/2021
Category: Working Life

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/

Protecting our healthcare system – why Medicare reforms need greater scrutiny

Date Published: 09/07/2021
Category: Working Life

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/

Myanmar: union solidarity in the fight for democracy

Date Published: 02/07/2021
Category: Working Life

Workers are at the forefront of the fight for democracy in Myanmar, but they need our help, writes Clare Middlemas

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/02/myanmar-union-solidarity-in-the-fight-for-democracy/

The kids are more than alright – meet the next gen of activists shaking things up

Date Published: 25/06/2021
Category: Working Life

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/

It’s big business before workers as the Morrison Government comes for your rights again

Date Published: 11/06/2021
Category: Working Life

Workers’ rights are under threat again as employer groups push the Morrison Government to revive the IR Omnibus Bill, writes Chloe Ward

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/06/11/its-big-business-before-workers-as-the-morrison-government-comes-for-your-rights-again/

Morrison’s Medicare overhaul – how will new changes affect your medical costs

Date Published: 08/06/2021
Category: Politics and Big Business Working Life

Changes to Medicare will leave some with unexpected out-of-pocket medical costs. What are these changes and what do they mean for you?

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/06/08/medicare-overhaul-how-will-new-changes-affect-your-medical-costs/

What we now know about Morrison’s failed vaccine rollout

Date Published: 04/06/2021
Category: Politics and Big Business Work Health and Safety Working Life

The Morrison Government’s bungled vaccination rollout has put workers and vulnerable people at potentionally deadly risk, writes Chloe Ward.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/06/04/what-we-now-know-about-morrisons-failed-vaccine-rollout/

Why Australian made matters

Date Published: 28/05/2021
Category: Working Life

Buying Australian made goods is good for jobs and the economy but working Australians can’t spend what they don’t have, writes Chloe Ward.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/05/28/why-australian-made-matters/

What workers need to reopen Australia’s borders

Date Published: 21/05/2021
Category: Working Life

Vaccination is the precondition of opening our borders and supporting the workers whose jobs depend on international travel, writes Chloe Ward.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/05/21/what-workers-need-to-reopen-australias-borders/

Inclusive language in the workplace – 3 small changes to make a big impact

Date Published: 17/05/2021
Category: Social Justice Working Life

Creating an inclusive culture is a job for everyone. To celebrate IDAHOBIT, we’ve compiled three small changes you can make to help LGBTIQ+ workers feel respected and included.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/05/17/inclusive-language-in-the-workplace/

Without wage increases, this budget is a failure

Date Published: 13/05/2021
Category: Wages Working Life

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/

Will Minister Cash vote to protect workers’ mental health?

Date Published: 07/05/2021
Category: Work Health and Safety Working Life

Working Australians are counting on Minister Cash to better protect them from mental health hazards, writes Chloe Ward

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/05/07/vote-to-protect-workers-mental-health/

Stronger, balanced, and inclusive: a vision for the 2021 Budget

Date Published: 30/04/2021
Category: Working Life

2021 Budget and beyond – Australian Unions has been planning an economic recovery that takes care of people, at all stages of life

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/04/30/stronger-balanced-and-inclusive-a-vision-for-the-2021-budget/

In Joe Biden’s America, climate transition goes hand in hand with job creation

Date Published: 23/04/2021
Category: Climate Social Justice Working Life

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.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/04/23/climate-transition-goes-hand-in-hand-with-job-creation/

Making the case for a living wage

Date Published: 09/04/2021
Category: Wages Working Life

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/

The end of JobKeeper…. and those left behind

Date Published: 02/04/2021
Category: Rights at Work Working Life

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/

Meet Mark: an imbalance of power

Date Published: 17/03/2021
Category: Job Security Working Life

Imagine getting laid-off over Christmas, abandoned by your employer, left with nothing while the bills stack up.

It’s a nightmare scenario, but for Mark and 300 of his colleagues, it was all too real.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/17/meet-mark-an-imbalance-of-power/

Meet the workers facing the worst of the Morrison Government’s IR Bill

Date Published: 12/03/2021
Category: Rights at Work Working Life

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.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/12/meet-the-workers-facing-the-worst-of-the-morrison-governments-ir-bill/

Meet Sherree: one cut from poverty

Date Published: 10/03/2021
Category: Job Security Rights at Work Working Life

One shift can make all the difference for aged care worker Sherree Clarke. But in the midst of a pandemic, she actually saw fewer of them.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/10/meet-sherree-one-cut-from-poverty/

5 ways to support women co-workers every day

Date Published: 08/03/2021
Category: Working Life

International Women’s Day is here again – a day to celebrate the achievements of women and a call to action in the ongoing fight for gender equality.
A day is great, but it got us thinking. What can we be doing to support women in our workplaces all year round? So, we’ve put together a list of 5 ways you can start making a difference.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/08/5-ways-to-support-women-co-workers-every-day/

Families like mine deserve to have confidence in aged care

Date Published: 04/03/2021
Category: Working Life

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.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/04/families-like-mine-deserve-to-have-confidence-in-aged-care/

Meet Rylee: the need for job security

Date Published: 01/03/2021
Category: Rights at Work Working Life

Job security. That’s all Rylee Miller is asking for. She just wants to know her job is safe and permanent.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/01/meet-rylee-the-need-for-job-security/

Sexual harassment: Australian workers deserve much, much better

Date Published: 26/02/2021
Category: Rights at Work Women Working Life

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.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/02/26/sexual-harassment-australian-workers-deserve-much-much-better/

It may have changed, but Morrison’s IR bill is still a threat to workers

Date Published: 19/02/2021
Category: Rights at Work Working Life

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.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/02/19/it-may-have-changed-but-morrisons-ir-bill-is-still-a-threat-to-workers/

Cutting JobSeeker: a national shame, an international embarrassment

Date Published: 12/02/2021
Category: Working Life

It’s true Australia has done better than most countries when it comes to responding to the coronavirus crisis. But as we emerge from this pandemic, we’re at serious risk of slipping behind on one key measure.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/02/12/cutting-jobseeker-a-national-shame-an-international-embarrassment/

The Morrison Government’s industrial relations bill will hurt workers, and hurt the economy

Date Published: 05/02/2021
Category: Rights at Work Working Life

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.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/02/05/the-morrison-governments-industrial-relations-bill-will-hurt-workers-and-hurt-the-economy/

The Australian Unions Supporter Program

Date Published: 29/07/2020
Category: Working Life

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/

In Conversation: Young Workers

Date Published: 22/07/2020
Category: Work Health and Safety Working Life

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/

Michele O’Neil on Insiders

Date Published: 19/07/2020
Category: Working Life

Watch Michele O’Neil’s full interview on Insiders where she discusses our National Economic Reconstruction Plan.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/07/19/michele-oneil-on-insiders/

Four Zoom Virtual Backgrounds for Unionists to Download

Date Published: 06/05/2020
Category: Working Life

With Zoom becoming the go to platform for work and social gatherings the Australian Unions team has created some union inspired virtual Zoom backgrounds.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/05/06/four-zoom-virtual-backgrounds-for-unionists-to-download/

The Prime Minister is right: there is a moral aspect to economics, just not in the way he thinks

Date Published: 19/09/2016
Category: Working Life

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.

https://www.australianunions.org.au/2016/09/19/the-prime-minister-is-right-there-is-a-moral-aspect-to-economics-just-not-in-the-way-he-thinks/