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.
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Happy 26 August! Today, new work rights come into force across Australia. Here’s what they are, why they are so important and how to make the most of them.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/08/26/new-work-rights-from-today/
In the last two years, the union movement has won the biggest changes to workers’ rights in this country in generations. Here’s what changes are coming into effect on 26 August 2024.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/08/20/new-work-rights-whats-changing-on-26-august/
Union members are using new union-won laws to secure better pay and conditions for thousands of workers across workplaces and industries.
Australian women are retiring years before they planned to due to a lack of workplace support to address the symptoms of menopause and other reproductive health conditions.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/08/05/union-members-campaign-paid-reproductive-leave/
In the last two years, the union movement has won the biggest changes to workers’ rights in this country in generations. These changes deliver new and improved rights that empower millions of workers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/07/30/new-union-won-rights-at-work-what-you-need-to-know/
No matter what you do for work, it’s essential to understand your rights when it comes to your payslip. Your employer is responsible for maintaining accurate records, and must provide you a payslip within one business day of receiving your pay. While there are penalties in place for employers who fail to do so, not…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/07/26/are-you-being-paid-correctly/
Peter Dutton has already committed to turning secure jobs into casual jobs, repealing the right to disconnect and standing against minimum standards for gig workers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/07/11/dutton-is-coming-for-your-workplace-protections/
From 1 July 2024, the amount of Paid Parental Leave new parents can access increased from 20 to 22 weeks.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/07/08/paid-parental-leave-now-at-22-weeks/
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/
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/
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.
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/
The first part of the Closing Loopholes Bill was a monumental achievement that won vital changes for working people. Part two is just as important.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/02/12/closing-gig-economy-and-casual-loopholes-in-2024/
Thanks to new right to disconnect laws to come into effect later this year, all workers will have the right to say no to unreasonable demands to stay digitally connected to their employer and work outside regular work hours.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2024/02/09/workers-win-the-right-to-disconnect/
Part one of the Closing Loopholes Bill has passed the Senate, delivering a much-needed win for Australian workers heading into the holiday season.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/12/20/new-laws-passed/
Mining industry profits are so huge that these companies could easily afford to give every worker in Australia a cost-of-living pay rise of 6%, and still hold onto their crown as Australia’s most profitable industry.
Delegates are the elected representatives of workers in a workplace, serving as a voice for workers when issues arise, and opening lines of communication between workers and employers.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/11/17/closing-the-loopholes-to-empower-workplace-delegates/
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.
In a historic victory for unionists and workers, the Federal Court’s ruling was upheld: Qantas are responsible for the largest case of illegal sackings in Australia’s history, and it’s time for them to take responsibility.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/09/18/qantas-high-court-ruling-in-favour-of-workers/
New laws, designed to make workplaces fairer and safer for workers, have been introduced by the Albanese Government in Parliament this week.
“Migrant workers hardly get a fair pay in Australia because bosses think it’s okay to treat temporary visa holders differently from Australian workers. It’s unfair.”
Today is an important day for workers’ rights. It’s the day that major parts of the Secure Jobs, Better Pay laws come into effect. These laws were passed by the Albanese Labor Government at the end of last year after tireless campaigning by workers in unions. The new laws today will help unions negotiate higher…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/06/06/today-workers-in-australia-have-brand-new-rights/
Qantas celebrates record breaking profit. Just don’t ask how it happened.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/05/26/qantas-doesnt-deserve-your-money-heres-why/
Legally, you cannot be discriminated against based on your intersex status.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/05/17/intersex-employees-better-protected-at-work/
Here are four steps to getting it right the first time and not being ripped off in the process.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/04/13/how-to-prepare-for-your-first-apprenticeship/
If you’re a parent of a kid who’s doing some casual work, this will be handy for you to know too.
What are your rights are when it comes to working (or not working) public holidays
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/04/06/what-you-should-get-paid-for-working-over-easter/
A report from the Black Dog Institute found almost half of Australian teachers are thinking about leaving the profession within the next 12 months.
When researcher Cameo Dalley informed a senior woman professor that she was pregnant, the atmosphere changed completely.
“We love our ABC and want it to be a great place to work. I’m standing with MEAA to win a fair deal.”
Surprising no one, it turns out it is actually big business pushing up prices for record profits that is driving the cost-of-living crisis, according to new research.
“When you see people who are telling the same stories, you realise it’s not just you. It’s systemic.”
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/02/24/how-much-money-has-your-university-stolen/
Interest Rates Rise A couple weeks ago, the Reserve Bank of Australia increased interest rates for the ninth consecutive time. It was news delivered along with a grim warning. It wouldn’t be the last of such increases; there were several more to come. RBA Governor Phil Lowe sticks by his decision and is quick to remind…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/02/20/rates-railroads-and-relief-for-refugees/
In the face of excruciating housing costs, workers need wage increases even more.
For 19,000 refugees who have set up new lives in Australia, there is finally hope.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/02/15/permanent-protection-won-for-thousands-of-refugees/
The other day I was perusing OECD’s dataset on the gender pay gap. The bar representing Australia was disconcertingly far to the right end of the graph; Australia had one of the widest disparities between women’s and men’s earnings in the OECD, at over 14 per cent. Today as I idly find the same graph,…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2023/02/14/were-winning-for-women/
It was hot. It was dangerous. And it was entirely unpaid.
Regardless of whether you’re selling gifts, packaging products, or serving Christmas lunches, we’re here to make sure you are paid and protected these holidays.
You are likely already familiar with annual leave, but have you heard of annual leave loading? Many workers are entitled to this extra pay on top of their annual leave.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/12/17/leave-loading-is-your-new-friend-these-holidays/
Your first job can be daunting, maybe a little unnerving. But hey, we’ve all been there. Follow this short guide to start out strong from day one.
A change in work laws means you might well be about to get a well-deserved pay increase.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/12/08/new-work-laws-provide-three-boosts-to-workers/
If there is no significant pay increased for all aged care workers in the next six months, we could see three in four workers leave the sector.
Nurses and midwives had one goal as they went on a 24 hour strike across NSW: to save lives.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/11/24/nurses-on-strike-for-life-saving-staffing-ratios/
With some workers on leave for 12 months or longer, it can be tricky to figure out the best way to keep in the loop with what’s happening at work. Fortunately, what are known as ‘keeping in touch’ days are a great way to help.
“There are universal values that should define football. Values such as respect, dignity, trust and courage.”
A zombie agreement is a collective agreement made under old legislation but continues to operate as they have not been terminated or replaced by another Agreement.
Are you a casual or a contractor? Do you work in the gig economy? Has your boss told you to get an ABN but you’re not sure why? While of course there are bosses that play within the rules, there are some dodgy employers out there who may have you on a sham contract.
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/
“Why should the people who produced the whole wealth of the world have such a small share in the enjoyments of the world, or that of recreation which was necessary for their health? Why should their whole lives be made up of eating, sleeping, and work?”
The workers that bring you the ‘Genius bar’ at Apple have made a clever move: they’ve joined their union.
At first glance, it looks like there is a secret behind the extraordinary figures of CEO pay packets. After all, how is it even possible that anyone person can ‘earn’ hundreds of millions of dollars?
The next time you read an article from The Age or the Sydney Morning Herald, have a look at the name attached to the piece. They may well be one of the freelancers who haven’t had an increase to their pay rates in 20 years.
You would think that with childcare prices the way they are that early childhood educators would be paid well. But the thousands of childcare workers who took to the streets today have shown us otherwise.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/09/07/early-childhood-educators-put-children-before-profit/
Hiring 13-year-olds is a recipe for exploitative disaster. They would be paid even less than their 15-year-old counterparts and, owing to their age, would have so little voice and agency in their workplaces.
Some workers were offered free soft drinks instead of a paid break while others were told that the couple of minutes it would take to take a drink water or got to the toilet would accumulate to a 10-minute break.
Keep an eye out of the next few days for the union movement’s positive plan to ensuring millions of workers can get a pay rise.
It is important to remember that the steady decline in enterprise bargaining is one of several factors contributing to this stagnation of wages.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/08/30/workers-deserve-easy-access-to-the-bargaining-system/
We are staring in the face of a massive cost of living crisis where the prices everywhere have gone up but our wages have not. So what do we do to tackle such a big challenge?
Perhaps the only thing slower than watching grass grow is watching the rate of wage increases in Australia.
On the latest episode of Have you been Joyced? we join the cast members on the tarmac as they load bags into the airplane hold. In response to a desperate callout for volunteers, Qantas senior executives have put aside their suits in favour of hi-vis vests.
Huge corporations have chosen to pass on costs to customers rather than absorb them. In a similar fashion, the big oil and gas companies booked super windfall profits while Australian taxpayers have subsidised the bowser price of petrol. The vast majority of these profits head off-shore to overseas billionaires and hedge-funds.
“I want to be a leader for my community as well as people who are around my age group. I want to let them know, ‘You know what? Joining the union is really good. We need people like you’.”
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/08/03/union-members-speak-up-at-parliament/
u know how giant tech companies love championing the innovation and productivity of their workers? It was only a few years ago the billionaire tech company CEOs and executives were caught cheating their own employees.
Union members have stood together at Carpet Court locations around the country, calling on the retailer to stand up for workers who are facing deep wage cuts and potential redundancies from major supplier Tuftmaster Carpets.
Going on strike in any industry is a last resort. But NSW nurses and midwives have had to do it not once, not twice, but now three times this year.
“Will we finally be seen as normal people?”
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/06/20/lives-remain-in-limbo-on-world-refugee-day/
Around 11 million workers in Australia may soon have access to paid Family and Domestic Violence Leave. New Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Tony Burke has committed to enshrining the leave in the National Employment Standards (NES) as a top priority.
Thankfully, there are ways to explain the benefits of union membership for yourself and your employer without confronting your boss with a folder of evidence documenting a few hundred years of systemic worker exploitation.
We know that if we want to see real wage increases, we need more than talk. We need to take action.
If you haven’t had the conversation already, it could be coming soon. Whether you welcome the request or not, your employer may ask for you to return to the physical workplace. But what if you don’t want to go back?
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/11/can-your-boss-force-you-back-into-the-workplace/
Qantas refused to listen the first time when the Federal Court ruled that it sacked 2,000 workers illegally. Qantas workers have welcomed the news of the airline’s second defeat after it tried to overturn the initial ruling.
What better way to kick off May the 4th – commonly known as Star Wars Day – with workers striking back against malignant forces.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/04/youre-not-a-clone-on-star-wars-day/
If a teacher has to use their ‘teacher’s voice’ in public, you know there’s something very wrong.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says it’s not his job to take action on wages, but he has the power to act and ensure workers can get wage rises and enjoy a decent standard of living.
the recent public holidays, there’s no better time to brush up on your rights as a casual worker in Australia.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/05/03/do-you-know-your-rights-as-a-casual/
For the first time this century, you will likely be heading to the polling booths with a real income lower than the last time you voted.
Collective action is at the core of what Australian Unions are built on. It’s both a principle we believe in and a strategy we employ. So to counteract the bad news stories and give you a break from the doomscrolling, here are some of the recent wins we’ve achieved through collective change.
Tom McDonald was a building union leader and industry reformer, superannuation pioneer, and union legend.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/04/29/tribute-to-union-legend-tom-mcdonald/
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…
It’s been less than a fortnight since the federal election was called and already the Morrison Government has provided some helpful reminders of how they’ve let down workers.
With just over a month until the federal election, it can be difficult to cut through the political noise. But each of us can make a difference before May 21.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2022/04/16/4-ways-to-get-involved-this-election/
If you’re a casual worker putting in hours this public holiday, you should make sure you’re being paid your weekend and public holiday penalty rates.
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/
It’s just what union members do – we show up for workers and ensure no one is left behind.
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/
Impacted by the Queensland and NSW floods? These are the plans to put in place, your leave entitlements, how stand downs work and the Government payments you may be eligible to access.
All workers deserve the time, support, and job security to safely escape and recover from an abusive relationship.
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.
ACTU secretary Sally McManus has sounded the alarm bells on anti-union disinformation as the government swings into full campaign mode.
The Morrison Government’s mismanagement of the pandemic continues with plans to cut COVID payments, writes Lauren Piko
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/08/cutting-disaster-payments/
Age discrimination in the workplace is more common than you might think. But what is it and what you can do if you experience it?
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/10/01/age-discrimination-in-the-workplace/
To help protect yourself from bullying in the workplace, we explain what bullying is and isn’t, and what to do if it’s happening to you.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/09/15/are-you-being-bullied-at-work/
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/
Today is Equal Pay Day – a day to raise awareness of the gender pay gap in Australia.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/31/equal-pay-day/
Fight zoom fatigue, entertain your colleagues and show your union pride with these free Zoom backgrounds from Australian Unions
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/08/20/10-free-zoom-backgrounds/
Australian Unions are calling for an immediate reinstatement of an updated JobKeeper program to support workers at risk of losing their jobs.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/27/jobkeeper-2-will-save-jobs/
A new JobKeeper is urgently needed for all workers and should not be open to corporate profiteering. Add your support today.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/07/25/australian-workers-urgently-need-jobkeeper-2-0/
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate May the Fourth than joining the next best thing to the Rebel Alliance – your union.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/05/04/4-reasons-to-join-your-union-today/
The ACTU is celebrating 94 years as the peak body representing Australian unions, their members and families.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/05/03/happy-birthday-actu-94-years-strong/
Australian Unions has joined together with a diverse group of organisations representing women’s rights to demand the Morrison Government deliver real safety at work for women.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/04/14/safe-work-4-women/
The Morrison government has created new laws that take rights away from casual workers and undermine job security for many others. We break down what the changes to casual work laws mean for you.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/04/13/changes-to-casual-work-laws/
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/
This week’s floods in New South Wales are a warning of things to come—and of what we must do to support workers through the challenges of climate change, writes Chloe Ward.
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.
Working people in unions have successfully stopped many of the worst aspects of the Morrison Government’s anti-worker “Omnibus Bill” from becoming law.
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.
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/
To mark International Women’s Day 2021, Australian Unions have released a report into women’s progress and gender equality in Australia and wow, do we need to do better.
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/
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/
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.
When former Liberal Party staffer Brittany Higgins shared her account of sexual assault in the workplace, it sent shockwaves through Parliament and the wider community.
But for many women, what emerged from the headlines was a distressingly familiar story of toxic workplace cultures, unacceptable tolerance of sexual harassment, and a complete failure of those in charge to protect victims.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2021/02/22/what-to-do-if-you-are-sexually-harassed-at-work/
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.
Part-time workers stand to lose thousands in personal income, while others may be denied secure work altogether under proposed industrial relations changes, warns independent think tank, Per Capita.
The Senate Inquiry into the Government’s dangerous and extreme industrial relations Bill has just begun.
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.
It’s the Xmas edition of On the Job, so Francis and Sally meet the one person who is definitely happy to be working Xmas Day – Santa.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/12/20/meet-the-hardest-working-man-in-snow-business/
Chief economist for the independent think tank The Australia Institute, Dr Richard Denniss, has labelled cuts to the JobSeeker payment “absolutely crazy”, warning it will see an extra 190,000 people living in poverty. Speaking with On the Job with Francis Leach & Sally Rugg, the prominent economist and author explained, “From an economic point of view, putting…
A new Industrial Relations (IR) law that will allow employers to cut the wages and conditions of workers has just been introduced.
Shadow Minister for Education and Training, the Hon Tanya Plibersek MP says Australians deserve a “better normal” for the sacrifices made during the pandemic including jobs “that are secure with decent pay and conditions”.
Australia’s most capped netball coach, Lisa Alexander, says it’s time the “weight of numbers” shifted. The highly experienced former Australian Diamonds boss recently applied for the now-filled senior coaching position at AFL club North Melbourne and was told she wouldn’t be receiving an interview.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/11/25/gender-bias-still-a-big-player-in-sport/
In what’s been an already devasting year, it’s fair to say Victorians have had an especially rough week.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/08/10/paid-pandemic-leave-what-is-it-and-why-do-we-need-it/
After tribunal rejection, ACTU doubles down on paid pandemic leave for all.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/07/09/paid-pandemic-leave-for-all/
Check out our special briefing from Sally McManus about the discussions that we are having with the Morrison Government.
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2020/06/25/ir-reform-discussions/
Employers should always make the health and wellbeing of employees a priority for their business. When facing something as unprecedented as COVID-19, this has never been more critical. The following businesses have been nominated by workers across Australia as granting access to special paid sick leave and additional support*, which is fundamental to ensuring the safety…
The problem Hospitality, pharmacy, retail and fast food workers will have their weekend and public holiday pay cut again from 1 July and will face more cuts next year and the year after depending on the industry. This is a pay cut that these workers don’t deserve and cannot afford. From July 1, these workers…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/09/20/restore-penalty-rates/
About The rules around enterprise bargaining are too restrictive and bosses have found ways to exploit them. They use tactics such as outsourcing, offshoring, labour hire, terminating agreements, no stake agreements, and more, to avoid paying fair wages and conditions. Bosses have an unfair advantage over workers. The Issue The enterprise bargaining system was intended…
https://www.australianunions.org.au/2017/09/08/enterprise-bargaining-is-broken/
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.
Big banks and insurers have priced gouged their way to a 46% profit increase since 2021 – driving up inflation, all at the expense of everyday Australians.
