Jobs data in focus as economic outlook brightens
Workers are taking home a larger slice of the economic pie as a result of Australia's historically tight labour market.
Labour
‘Unhinged’: 4500 jobs to be slashed in bank restructure
A major bank's decision to cut thousands of staff has been described as "unhinged" after it recently posted a half-year cash profit of $3.6 billion.
Woolworths, Coles say underpayment costs could hit $1b
Woolworths estimates it owes up to $750 million to thousands of salaried team leaders after a court ruling, while Coles' liability could hit $250 million.
Nation-leading pay set for nurses after talks, strikes
Queensland's nurses and midwives have agreed in-principle to a wage offer that will make them the highest paid in the country after months of talks and strikes.
Coles, Woolies staff stuck in mass underpayment case
A major supermarket failed to keep proper shift records and docked employees' pay for branded clothing, but four major underpayment lawsuits remain in limbo.
‘Divisive’ coalition blamed for scapegoating migrants
The major political parties are pointing the finger at each other for fuelling anti-immigration sentiment that drove violent rallies in Australia's capitals.
Pacific taste of the Australian dream goes up in smoke
A Pacific mobility scheme giving islanders the chance at earning life-changing salaries in Australia is well-received but hurdles are still hurting locals.
Pacific taste of the Australian dream goes up in smoke
A Pacific mobility scheme giving islanders the chance at earning life-changing salaries in Australia is well-received but hurdles are still hurting locals.
Workers, union line up for share of $90m Qantas fine
A judge is deciding who should get payouts from a $90 million Qantas fine after the airline was ordered to pay the record penalty for illegally sacking staff.
Why Australian AI regulation could be a legal patchwork
Artificial intelligence may not be governed by a single, dedicated law in Australia but experts say changes to several existing laws could offer protection.
More teeth for uni watchdog as fears rise for 1500 jobs
Fears of job cuts at six universities have triggered concerns about oversight of the institutions, their financial viability and wages of vice-chancellors.
‘Ruthless’ sacking of staff lands Qantas with $90m fine
Qantas has vowed to rebuild trust after the embattled airline was fined $90 million for illegally sacking more than 1800 ground staff during the pandemic.
Real wages boost for workers, but costs might worry RBA
Strong annual growth in wages will be noted by the Reserve Bank as it collates data leading up to its next decision on whether to cut interest rates.
AI training pilot to upskill more than 30,000 teachers
Microsoft and the Future Skills Organisation plan to train educators in artificial intelligence to address Australia's technology skills gap.
Unions, business at loggerheads over four-day work week
Business groups are resisting a union push for a shorter working week as ideas to boost Australia's productivity are debated ahead of a roundtable.
Jobless fall gives RBA room before next rate cut
The unemployment rate slid to 4.2 per cent in July, partly because of an unwinding from an earlier, outsized jump, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reports.
Unions push back on productivity plan for schools, jobs
Fresh fault lines have formed in the lead up to the government's reform roundtable as unions reject productivity proposals welcomed by businesses.
PM backs working from home laws amid ‘stunt’ claims
The prime minister has swung his support behind a state's legal work-from-home push as an expert details how officials could move forward with the plan.
‘More gruelling, precarious’: climate biting workforce
From disrupted trucking routes to teaching in hot classrooms, the changing climate is already being keenly felt by Australian workers.
Workers optimistic but employers wary over wages bill
Unions and business networks are clashing heads as a government bill to enshrine higher rates of pay for one in seven workers works its way through parliament.
‘House of cards’: disability lifeline as dominoes fall
Australia's second-largest disability employer has avoided sudden collapse but more trouble could be on the way for the strained sector.
Buoyant Albanese plots next phase of Labor dynasty
Childcare reform, cutting HECS debt, enshrining penalty rates and initiating a new class of Labor MPs are the prime minister's priorities as parliament resumes.
All signs point to jobs market holding firm in new data
Forward indicators suggest Australia's unusually low unemployment rate will stay steady in fresh data set to be released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Pay penalties to be saved as workers score wage win
Weekend penalty rates will be protected by the federal government as minimum wage workers are about to get a boost to their pay packets.
Workforce worries cast shadow over net zero transition
From wind farms to EV chargers, electricians are key to decarbonisation but even with a steady stream of keen trainees, workforce shortages loom large.
Nest eggs on the boil as super guarantee cracks open
Award wages, super contributions and energy bills are rising as a new financial year rings changes for households.
‘Embarrassed’: ABC’s Lattouf legal bill to top $2m
Defending its sacking of a radio presenter will likely cost the Australian public broadcaster more than $2 million, a year after rejecting a settlement offer.
Labour market stays tight despite surprise drop in jobs
The economy lost some jobs in May, confounding expectations, but the Reserve Bank will likely view it as noise not signs of a weakening labour market.
Fate of construction union hangs on High Court ruling
The embattled CFMEU will find out if its bid to overturn its construction division being forced into administration will be accepted by the High Court.
Spotlight on unemployment as jobs market loses heat
Jobs data is set to dominate the economic agenda in Australia, while onlookers expect the Federal Reserve to keep US interest rates on hold.
Economic summit aims to firm up drooping productivity
Anthony Albanese is confident businesses and unions can find common ground in the quest to improve Australia's ailing productivity.