In its submission to the Fair Work Commissionâs annual wage review (which determines whether 2.3 million award-covered workers will get a wage increase this year), the government is opposing any significant increase in the minimum wage. It claims that even a moderate wage increase would threaten economic recovery and employment in the wake of the pandemic. Its standard line is: âIf employers canât afford wage increases, theyâll cut jobs!â
This is wrong on many counts. First, businesses can afford higher wages. Profits increased by 15% in the last 12 months. Itâs the first recession in Australian history when profits got bigger, not smaller.
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The Morrison government has cautioned against a major increase in Australia s minimum wage, citing concerns about job creation.
In a submission to the Fair Work Commission s annual review, the government notes a continuing uncertain global and domestic economic outlook. Higher labour costs during this challenging period could present a major constraint to small business recovery and may dampen employment in the sector, the submission says.
It urges a cautious approach that takes into account the importance of job creation and business viability through the economic recovery post-coronavirus. The risk of domestic outbreaks and ongoing disruptions to other major economies mean the economic environment remains uncertain, the government says.
Australian unions back war preparations at Labor Party conference
One of the most revealing features of last week’s Australian Labor Party national conference was the enthusiastic support of the trade unions for the ramping-up of plans for war.
All the unions backed the unanimous votes for a party platform that is committed to expanding military and other war-related production, as well as strengthening the US military alliance because of “its vital importance to Australia’s national security requirements” and demonising China.
Party leader Anthony Albanese set the tone for the conference in his opening address, invoking the record of the World War II and post-war Labor governments of prime ministers Curtin and Chifley from 1941 to 1949. “In Australia’s moment of greatest crisis at the height of the Second World War, John Curtin led the nation out of military danger then Ben Chifley led into reconstruction,” Albanese declared. “Their motto victory in war and victor
Debate Heats Up Over Minimum Wage Increase in 2021
The Morrison government has cautioned that increasing Australia’s minimum wage this year could constrain small business recovery and employment.
“Higher labour costs during this challenging period could present a major constraint to small business recovery and may dampen employment in the sector,” the government noted in a submission (pdf) to the Fair Work Commission’s annual review, urging the Commission to consider the job creation and business viability during the post-pandemic economic recovery.
“The risk of domestic outbreaks and ongoing disruptions to other major economies mean the economic environment remains uncertain,” the government stated.
Right to disconnect fight to expand as unions push claims in enterprise agreements
Posted 3
updated 1
AprApril 2021 at 8:34pm
Unions are pushing to enshrine the right of employees to ignore non-emergency work contact outside of their rostered hours.
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Some of the nation s biggest unions are pushing for more Australians to have the right to disconnect from phone calls, texts and emails outside of work hours, but employers warn it could stifle flexibility for both businesses and their staff.
Key points:
First legislated in France, Victoria Police have signed up to abide by it
Large unions are pushing for the right, to combat overwork