Paul Maley; 14/11/08; (2 Items)
Temporary skilled workers earning less than $100,000 will be guaranteed market wages as part of a major overhaul of the troubled 457 visa program. The recommendation was one of 66 contained in the long-awaited 100-page report by industrial relations commissioner Barbara Deegan, which was released by Immigration Minister Chris Evans late yesterday afternoon. Among the report’s other recommendations was that prospective employers be profiled according to the risk of exploitation or abuse, that 457 holders be limited to a maximum of eight years in Australia, and that employers make greater use of labour agreements to prevent exploitation.
See: http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24648846-5013404,00.html
Workplace disputes: umpire to get power
Katharine Murphy; 14/11/08
New federal workplace laws will create some scope for the industrial umpire to arbitrate in difficult disputes where employers refuse to bargain in good faith, the Labor caucus has been told. Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard yesterday briefed Labor MPs on details of new workplace legislation that will be introduced to Parliament later this month. The changes will provide capacity for parties to draw on the umpire in cases where employers repeatedly ignore orders to deal with unions or with workers in good faith.
See: http://www.theage.com.au/national/workplace-disputes-umpire-to-get-power-20081113-66bj.html
