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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When I finally get around to writing my bestselling dystopian novel, it would go something like this… There would be a handful of very powerful corporations, and they would find a way to hoard wealth amongst and for only each other. They would manipulate a system that was already bitterly unfair and weighted against…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/02/07/share-buybacks-the-billionaire-get-rich-quick-scheme/
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/
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/2022/11/14/all-across-the-country-its-action-action-action/
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/
Last week, the budget offered Australians a little relief, especially for parents. This includes an injection of about $4 billion over 4 years into affordable early childhood education and care, and an expansion of Paid Parental Leave from 18 to 26 weeks. These two wins will help mums to enter or re-enter the workforce. …
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/31/the-power-of-campaigning-a-budget-special/
This new legislation will shift the burden of responsibility of victims onto employers by introducing a positive duty on employers to take all reasonable action to prevent sexual harassment at work.
The conditions that union members fight to strengthen and improve, are conditions that affect young people in a very tangible way.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/19/the-youth-is-on-fire-and-theyre-unionising/
This week on the Bulletin, we spoke to primary school teacher and Australian Education Union member, Lauren Duncan. Lauren effused warmth and decency. Exactly the sort of person who you would want tasked with teaching your children in their formative years. Exactly the sort of person that it would be a national shame to…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/10/13/teachers-or-millionaires-who-deserves-a-bigger-break/
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.
Showing up at work shouldn’t mean putting your life at risk. But a report from the ACTU shows Morrison’s failings have endangered workers lives.
Australian Unions are stepping up its workplace campaign and launching TV ads in key marginal seats to warn voters that Scott Morrison has not come clean on plans to re-introduce legislation that will remove rights from workers, and put further downward pressure on wages. The ads will run on live and catch-up TV around the…
If you and your colleagues are looking to unionise your workplace or join a union, keep an eye out for these 4 red flags from your employer.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/04/06/is-your-boss-anti-union-how-to-spot-the-signs/
You already know the advantages to being a union member. Now we want the rest of working Australia to know too.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/03/31/youre-never-alone-when-youre-a-union-member/
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.
If your boss calls or emails you outside work hours, do you reply? Too many of us do.
Australian Unions have recognised how the working from home requirement during the pandemic has exacerbated a problem across the workforce: the struggle to disconnect.
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.
It appears the political quip game is strong among frontline workers.
To deal with wages growth, we need to deal with job insecurity and fix the broken collective bargaining system.
Have you got questions about your safety and rights at work during the Omicron variant spread?
Thanks to the power of workers organising and hundreds of messages sent to Woolworths’ Facebook page over the weekend, every worker who has tested positive for COVID will be able to isolate, rest at home and recover.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/01/19/covid-positive-workers-no-longer-forced-back-to-work/
The union movement will do everything we can to keep people safe and act to slow the spread of this latest wave of the Covid pandemic.
Teys Australia will force South Australian abattoir workers who are COVID positive to report for duty at work on Monday.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/01/14/covid-positive-abattoir-workers-forced-back-to-work/
But if you’re in a sweat because you’re worried about leaving work due to having Covid-19 symptoms – don’t be. It’s your right.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/01/13/symptoms-at-work-you-have-the-right-to-leave/
Well, that’s another year that can get in the bin!
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/12/09/2021-another-year-that-showed-union-values-matter/
The world of work will never be quite the same after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. How it will look and what impact it will have on workers is still to be determined.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/11/29/making-our-workplaces-safe-is-a-race/
Australia’s asbestos legacy still impacts thousands of people Australia’s asbestos legacy still impacts thousands of people every year.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/11/26/national-asbestos-awareness-week/
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 Prime Minister has managed a unique feat in creating a piece of history by doing as little as he possibly can.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/11/22/scott-morrisons-great-strollout/
For new families, a sense of financial security is undeniably valuable. But, on the other hand, so is spending quality time with young children and being there to support partners during the ups and downs.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/11/18/were-taking-action-for-fairer-paid-parental-leave/
We all know it, but now we’ve got the numbers to prove it. Union workplaces are safer than non-union workplaces.
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/
Sending a parcel in the mail and expecting it to arrive on time has become a set and forget ritual for millions of Australians. As we approach Christmas, we could all be in for a rude shock as global supply chains buckle under the strain of a post-pandemic restart. It’s not just customers who are…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/11/08/workers-deliver-a-message/
Clothing giant Country Road has had itself a good pandemic. The ubiquitous fashion company likes to project itself as being the height of domestic sophistication, neat, dignified and considerate. The truth is that this company that made bumper profits amidst COVID-19 online shopping boom is none of those things when it comes to looking after…
Queensland LNP Senator Matt Canavan is a great pretender. The economics graduate, whose career path led him to Canberra and a gig at the Productivity Commission loves engaging in dress ups with a high vis top on and coal dust on his face. This is our newest rendition of the fake tradie. There he is…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/25/queenslands-great-insecure-work-plague-exposed/
Menopause can impact work, so why aren’t workplaces talking about it? Let’s take a look at how workplaces can become more menopause friendly.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/12/menopause-in-the-workplace/
A new visa arrangement for farmworkers threatens to further exploiit workers in the agriculture sector, writes Francis Leach
Australians are facing an organised campaign by far-right activists to undermine confidence in our life saving public health response, writes Sally McManus
Amidst the tumult of the COVID19 crisis, Australian families were given a glimpse of what a transformation to their lives – universal and affordable early childhood education – could bring.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/09/02/early-education-and-childcare/
Australians have never been more dependent on the hard work and diligence of transport workers, writes Francis Leach
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/30/vital-transport-workers-take-a-stand-for-secure-work/
Parliament is getting set to ratify the RCEP trade deal, but at what cost to human rights, writes Francis Leach
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/23/australias-latest-trade-deal/
Contrary to misconceptions, Australia’s health and care sector is still facing a vaccine crisis, writes Francis Leach
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/20/workers-facing-vaccine-crisis/
Journalist and host of Primer podcast Alex Press joins On the Job to discuss the worker exploitation fuelling the billionaire space race.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/04/billionaire-space-race/
In a watershed moment for all Australian workers, union members have taken on Qantas and won back their outsourced jobs, writes Francis Leach
Teachers are paying a high price their committment to their jobs as unsustainable workloads overwhelm the profession, writes Francis Leach
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/27/teachers-paying-the-price/
Australian farm’s dirty secrets about worker exploitation currently being challenged in the Fair Work Commission, writes Francis Leach
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/22/australian-farms-dirty-secrets-exposed/
American journalist and author Sarah Jaffe spoke with On the Job about how ‘doing what you love’ can be a recipe for worker exploitation.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/14/work-wont-love-you-back/
Successful strike action taken by General Mills workers in Sydney has shown what is possible when workers stand united, writes Francis Leach.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/01/general-mills-workers-show-the-fight-is-worth-it/
A landmark ruling has changed the game for gig workers and the tech-giant platforms like Deliveroo and Uber Eats, who try to exploit them, writes Francis Leach.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/05/19/deliveroo-decision-changes-the-game-for-workers/
May Day is a celebration of the solidarity and achievements of workers’ movements. What is its back story and what is Australia’s unique role in the history of May Day?
National Manager of Ethical Clothing Australia Angela Bell says fashion companies and major conglomerates have created an industry of low cost, disposable fashion at the expense of workers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/04/15/supporting-workers-with-the-clothes-on-your-back/
Food delivery tech operator Menulog has finally come around to what Unions have been saying for years – that its contracted riders and drivers should be considered employees and given the same rights and entitlements as other workers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/04/14/workers-rights-finally-on-the-menu/
As it becomes increasingly difficult for workers to switch off, unions are pushing for the “right to disconnect” after work hours.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/04/12/remember-when-knocking-off-work-meant-just-that/
The world’s largest online retailer, Amazon, is not phased by much, but when workers at one of its biggest warehouses in the United States started to organise to join a union, the tech shopping monster lost the plot. US-based journalist Jessa Crispin joins On the Job this week to discuss the campaign by Amazon workers and the company’s attempts to silence critics.
It seems someone has poked the Amazon bear.
The online retail behemoth likes to present itself as a consumer nirvana ¬ all good vibes, with its “fulfilment centres” and promises of giving you whatever you want, whenever you want it.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/31/amazon-gets-cranky-as-workers-get-organised/
Alexander Roxbrough has done a lot of kilometres on his bike. In his four years as a Deliveroo rider, he’s knocked on thousands of doors all over Sydney delivering meals to hungry customers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/29/investors-are-saying-no-to-deliveroo-heres-why/
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.
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/
This week the Senate will be voting on the Morrison Government’s industrial relations (IR) Bill. Let’s break down what this Bill could mean for you and why it must be stopped.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/16/break-it-down-for-me-changes-to-my-working-rights/
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.
As a registered nurse for the past 10 years, Gaby Norman is used to taking care of others. And that’s why, with the Morrison Government proposing dangerous industrial relations legislation, she fears for what’s ahead.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/03/meet-gaby-a-nurses-concern/
Llwyd is an electrician based in Brisbane, with nearly three decades’ worth of experience. But he’s trapped on what he calls “the labour hire roundabout”.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/03/02/meet-llwyd-the-labour-hire-roundabout/
Australian dinner plates are carrying an uncomfortable secret.
The abundance of high quality, relatively cheap fruit and vegetables that we are serving up at mealtimes comes at a much higher price to those whose job it is to harvest it.
Is the jig finally up for the gig economy?
Last week’s landmark ruling in the British Supreme Court that Uber drivers in the UK were employees rather than sole contractors may have kicked a giant hole in the low pay, no responsibility business model that the tech giant and others like it have relied upon.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/02/24/uk-uber-ruling-a-huge-win-for-workers/
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.
Ange Roper is struggling to make ends meet.
She lost her gig, one built upon insecure working hours and no job security, and suddenly things looked very bleak.
It means making heartbreaking decisions about your kids that no parent wants to make.
Senior Associate at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers Patrick Turner joined On the Job with Francis Leach & Sally Rugg this week to discuss some of the legal questions around working from home.
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.
The Morrison Government wants to rush through laws to cut your rights at work. These laws will hurt all workers.
Navigating the dangers of a global pandemic is not the only threat that Australian workers and their families have to deal with in 2021.
They are also faced with a threat to their job security and livelihoods posed by Scott Morrison’s proposed new workplace laws.
We can celebrate a victory this week, with the Fair Work Commission finally listening to Australian unions’ calls for paid pandemic leave for aged care workers.
The August edition of your member benefits update brings you the latest on how to put your tax refund to good use, we look at the scourge of unpaid super, there’s some great Father’s Day deals available using your Member Benefits program and you could win one of five family (ADMIT 4) inseason passes to see Angry Birds in our monthly competition!
Save or splurge? Put your tax refund to good use
How good is tax time? In exchange for a few hours filling out your tax return, you could receive a handy refund cheque.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2019/08/08/member-benefits-update-august-2019/
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/
About Australians’ work is becoming less secure. Only 60 per cent of workers are in full or part-time ongoing employment. The rest – around four million workers – are engaged either as casuals, on short-term contracts, in labour hire, or as “independent” contractors. The Issues Casual work was originally limited to those rare cases where…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/09/08/insecure-work-in-australia/
About Decades of neo-conservative policies and the failed theory of trickle-down economics has led to the highest levels of income inequality on record. Corporations have become too powerful, and working people are missing out. While profit growth is the strongest it has been in 15 years, wage growth is the lowest on record. Inequality: the…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2018/08/08/for-the-99-per-cent-inequality-in-australia/
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/
In December’s edition we bring you our Festive Pack competition with some great prizes on offer, there’s some timely advice from ME on the dangers of ‘buy now, pay later’ and there’s news on how to save money with our Member Benefits program.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/12/08/member-benefits-update-december-2017/
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/
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/
Have you ever been bullied in your workplace? Any form of bullying — from being deliberately left out all the way through to extreme acts of violence — can really hurt. That’s why a recent parliamentary inquiry found that bullying was a form of psychological violence. And thankfully, our government is doing something about this,…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2013/07/19/its-time-to-end-workplace-bullying/
On this day in 1856, Melbourne's Stonemasons fought for – and won – the 8-hour workday as a nationwide industry standard.
Unfair rostering disadvantages workers in insecure work: unions are calling for for roster justice.
