In a significant judgment closely examining the limits of "industrial activity", a full Federal Court led by Chief Justice James Allsop has overturned penalties imposed on two CFMMEU officials for leading a walk-out from a building site that had no separate toilet for a female worker.
The former head of the federal workplace tribunal has called for a “cautious expansion” of the Fair Work Commission’s arbitration powers and the reinstatement of judicial status for senior members.
The AFL-CIO has sought to play down union calls for a possible general strike if US leader Donald Trump refuses to accept the result of the presidential election.
The ABCC is investigating stoppages at five Sydney building projects overseen by two builders ahead of possible protected industrial action ballots by members of the CFMMEU, which is pursuing a new pattern agreement.
The CFMMEU's manufacturing division has defended a claim for annual pay rises of 4% at a major Melbourne packaging plant, arguing the business has boomed during the COVID-19 lockdown.
The CFMMEU construction and general division's NSW branch has warned sub-contractors that have signed its new pattern agreement they face being reported to the ABCC unless they switch to a nine-day fortnight from December 1.
Single Bill to take forward coronavirus IR changes, says Porter; Qantas not required to maintain status quo; Patrick wins interim anti-industrial action order; and PM pays tribute to John Fahey, Susan Ryan.
The FWC has renewed an entry permit to an AMWU organiser who went from serial lawbreaker to a "well-meaning but mistaken contravener", before his recent six-year track record as a "well-trained clean skin".
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says a dispute between Patrick and MUA hasn't got to the point where it would be necessary to consider bringing in troops to ensure continuity of supply.
The FWC will this week hear an application by stevedore Patrick to terminate the MUA's protected action at its four container ports, while IR Minister Christian Porter has confirmed he will intervene in support of the company.
