Sad day as refinery’s closure to hit jobs and community
Hundreds of workers will lose their jobs as alumina giant Alcoa permanently shuts a 60-year-old refinery that served as a cornerstone of the community.
labour
Conservationists outraged at coal-fired future
The extended shelf life of coal-fired power has enraged conservation groups, with one state declaring it will be in use for decades.
Signs of cooling labour market in surprise job numbers
Australia's unemployment rate has held steady at 4.2 per cent despite thousands of jobs unexpectedly dropping out of the nation's economy.
National economy still stuck in ‘productivity malaise’
Despite a modest pick-up in productivity growth and signs private sector employment is recovering, Australia's slump in productivity is far from over.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unions call for stricter AI restrictions in workplaces
The ACTU is calling for tougher regulations to protect jobs during the rollout of artificial intelligence in the workplace.
Jobless rate nears four-year high, firms rethink plans
Australia's unemployment rate has bucked expectations and risen as economic headwinds take their toll on employers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Estimated thousands trapped in Australian farm slavery
The fruit, vegetables and meat in Australian's fridges are often picked or processed by migrant workers, who are highly vulnerable to modern slavery.
Supermarket giant acts on ‘appalling’ worker conditions
Migrant workers fear deportation if they speak up about their poor workplace, with Woolworths uncovering 'unliveable' housing conditions in its supply chain.
Call for adult wages for youth in retail, fast food
A union is demanding the federal government implement adult wages for young workers in retail, fast food and pharmacy jobs.
Mortgage relief could be limited as jobs market expands
An unexpected jump in employment has led the money market to pare back its hopes for further mortgage relief after a widely expected rate cut next week.
Dutton flips on work-from-home ban to salvage support
Peter Dutton has conceded plans to stop public servants from working at home were a mistake and ditched the proposal as he tries to regain lost ground.
Butchers, bakers and makers better off in the bush
Nearly 100 jobs pay better in country Australia, with 67,000 roles available outside the cities, according to new research encouraging workers to make the move.
US officials tells workers they can ignore Musk’s email
Elon Musk's has doubled down on demands US federal employees explain their recent accomplishments or risk getting fired.
Dutton accuses PM of peddling ‘dirt’ on share purchases
Attempts to use Peter Dutton's decades-old financial records against him reflect poorly on the federal government, the opposition leader says.
Robust job data unlikely to spook Reserve Bank on rates
Ongoing tightness in the labour market won't overly concern the Reserve Bank in its fight against inflation, says one economist after surprising jobs figures.
Taxpayers to the rescue of Aussie steel
Safeguarding sovereign steel production is a key factor in a $2.4 billion government package to keep a major steelworks running while a new owner is found.
Australia rejects ‘killing’ the US aluminium market
Australia has denied exploiting tariff exemptions granted by the first Trump administration despite claims aluminium sales have been "killing" the US market.
Home construction rises but target remains out of reach
High costs, labour shortages and low productivity are limiting the sector's ability to build new homes as construction activity remains below required levels.
Strong jobs growth data deflates February rate cut hope
A very healthy jobs market is not adding to the case for a February interest rate cut, with all eyes turning to inflation data due in coming weeks.
Why the RBA should rethink key inflation assumption
The strength of Australia's labour market has kept the Reserve Bank from cutting interest rates but growing evidence suggests it's not as crucial as thought.
Australia’s bullet-proof jobs market put to the test
Even with restrictive interest rate settings and inflation battering the economy, Australia's labour market has proved surprisingly resilient.