Industrial relations
Australia can afford pay rises: Frydenberg hints to wage umpire
Wage growth has been flat for a decade but Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has dropped a strong hint to the minimum wage panel that the economy can afford more.
- by Nick Bonyhady
Latest
New firefighter union leaders kick ‘own goal’ trying to cancel open day events
The NSW firefighters union tried to ban popular fire station open day events but has backed down after being lashed by members and the Minister.
- by Nick Bonyhady
The right to ‘chestfeed’ enshrined in government workplace agreement
As part of a broader push to use gender-inclusive language, the Victorian government has used the term “chestfeeding” in an enterprise bargaining agreement with public servants.
- by Henrietta Cook and Josh Dye
Victoria pushes Canberra for rethink on regulating gig economy
Claiming a “leadership vacuum” in Canberra, Victoria is seeking the support of other states and territories as it pushes for changes to the gig economy.
- by Noel Towell
Graphic content
Government
Cops, medics and prison guards to get easier access to compensation for PTSD
A former prison officer has detailed the graphic and horrific scenes workers face inside Queensland’s jails.
- by Felicity Caldwell and Lydia Lynch
Casuals bore the brunt as COVID drove unis to shed 7500 jobs
Victorian universities slashed staff last year in anticipation of long-term decline in international student revenue, with insecure workers taking the worst hit.
- by Madeleine Heffernan
Exclusive
Restaurants
Labor MP slams ‘lawbreaker, bankrupt’ Perth restaurant boss in maiden speech
Under parliamentary privilege, David Scaife blasted Bradley Wright’s actions during a court case, claiming he ignored and evaded the proceedings and continually raised irrelevant matters.
- by Hamish Hastie
Exclusive
Trade unions
One of Australia’s most powerful unions is splintering as leaders fight for control
The union, which counts more than 100,000 members and has been a major player in the Labor party, has been riven by internal battles since 2019.
- by Nick Bonyhady
Exclusive
Gig economy
Leong was expecting $9600 in bonuses. Now his Uber account’s at zero
The delivery giant alleges some people claimed payments they weren’t entitled to but drivers and their union say the rewards have been withdrawn without clear explanation.
- by Nick Bonyhady
‘Wouldn’t have been able to afford it’: Private schools axe staff discounts
Some schools now offer no discounts for new staff while maintaining generous reductions for longer-serving employees.
- by Madeleine Heffernan
Opinion
Gender pay gap
Pay decision could provide a path for government on gender equity
If the Morrison government wants to support equal pay for women start with improving the wages of undervalued jobs in the childcare sector.
- by Iola Mathews