Unions page 10 of 39

389 articles are classified in All Articles > 2020 coronavirus pandemic > Unions


Regulator scrutinising employee's COVID-19 death

In a development sure to be watched closely by employers, WorkSafe Victoria is inquiring into the COVID-19 death of a 46-year-old call centre employee identified as a close contact at his workplace's Tier 1 exposure site.

Pandemic savings drove outsourcing move: Qantas

Qantas, in its challenge to a crucial recent Federal Court adverse action ruling, says its sole motivation for outsourcing the jobs of about 1700 ground crew was its lawful commercial reason of saving $100 million a year during a global pandemic.

Telstra warned about sackings over mandatory vax plan

The CEPU's communications division is seeking legal advice as to whether Telstra's plan to make COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for more than 8000 public-facing employees is lawful, while it has warned against sacking any workers who have medical exemptions.

FWC pulls trigger on loaded rates for hospitality industry

Hospitality industry employers have won approval to roll up overtime, penalty and split-shift rates for full-time higher-paid workers after a FWC full bench rejected union concerns that changing the award for a small cohort could leave a broader group of employees worse off.

BHP trials workplace vaccinations ahead of mandatory call

In a first for the local resource sector, BHP Billiton will this week begin trialling on-site vaccinations at its Mt Arthur coal mine in NSW ahead of deciding whether to make the jabs mandatory for its Australian employees.

TWU welcomes chance to consult with Virgin over jabs

Virgin's announcement that it is considering following Qantas in mandating COVID-19 vaccinations for all employees has drawn a mixed response from unions, but the TWU says its commitment to consultation signals an improved approach.

Rapid COVID-19 testing on rise, as outbreaks grow

Unions and employers are embracing the use of rapid antigen testing as it ramps up in some industries, but questions remain around cost, access, administration and how it should fit with other measures to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission at work.


Qantas fails to narrow scope of outsourcing judgment

The Federal Court has today declared that its ruling last month in favour of a TWU adverse action claim against Qantas over the outsourcing of ground handling at 10 ports applies to all employees, not just union members.

Canberra fails to answer employer call for vax indemnification

The Morrison Government has refused to budge on employer calls to indemnify businesses that encourage workplace vaccinations and to provide federal support for those who mandate inoculations, while AMMA has warned of the looming "elephant in the room".