A vote today has confirmed that key minor crossbench senators have dropped their support for the looming cuts to penalty rates in retail and hospitality.
The Productivity Commission has called for the assessment and approval of default superannuation providers to be removed from the award system and the oversight of the Fair Work Commission.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has belatedly confirmed his support for the Fair Work Commission's decision to cut Sunday penalty rates, representing his position as consistent with the Liberals' "backing" of small business.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten has upbraided new ACTU leader Sally McManus for expressing her support for key affiliate the CFMEU's flouting of "unjust" IR laws.
The Andrews Labor Government has today established a parliamentary inquiry to investigate how the state can protect retail and hospitality workers from reductions in penalty rates.
New university research presented at an IR academics conference in Canberra debunks the notion that reducing weekend penalty rates in the retail sector would mainly affect student workers who don't rely on the income to the same extent as other employees.
The Turnbull Government has confirmed it will make a submission to the Fair Work Commission on how to handle the transition to lower penalty rates in the retail and hospitality sectors.
A full Federal Court majority has clarified that employers can deduct employees' annual and personal/carer's leave that falls on public holidays if the employee is covered by an enterprise agreement that provides more generous entitlements than the NES.
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash is trying to drum up public support from business and employer groups for the Fair Work Commission's landmark decision to cut Sunday penalty rates for some retail and hospitality workers.
