Media releases Our media releases below are ordered chronologically. Use the advanced search to find releases on specific topics or subscribe to updates and have media releases sent to your email.

Budget support for families does not provide excuse for business to grab more from low-paid workers 20.05.12 | Media Release Fair Work Australia must reject any push by employers to offset a decent rise in the minimum wage against measures in the Federal Budget to boost the real incomes of some low-income households.

Manufacturing hopes rest on union-supported co-operative ventures 18.05.12 | Media Release Australian unions have endorsed the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) support for co-operative operations, recognising the critical role they play in advancing the organisation’s Global Employment Agenda and promoting decent work.

Unions wrap up ACTU Congress with renewed vigour to campaign for rights at work and fairer Australia 17.05.12 | Media Release | Secure Jobs. Better Future Australian unions have concluded the ACTU Congress 2012 invigorated by a clear, renewed plan to campaign for better rights for workers within a fairer economy and society.

Unions pledge to tackle the growing crisis of insecure work in Australia with a national campaign 16.05.12 | Media Release Better rights for casual and contract workers, a much larger investment in Australia’s workforce and an overhaul of our welfare system will be the building blocks of reforms to undo the damage caused by the spread of insecure work.

Dave Oliver elected new ACTU Secretary; pledges to renew fight for workers’ rights and secure jobs 15.05.12 | Media Release Dave Oliver has been elected as the new ACTU Secretary at the union movement’s Congress in Sydney today. Mr Oliver was elected unopposed to replace Jeff Lawrence, who did not seek re-nomination after five years in the position.

Young workers are our future and need to have a voice in the workplace 13.05.12 | Media Release Young people are among the most vulnerable workers and will benefit from a renewed union push for better workplace protections, entitlements and representation.

Time for a ‘millionaires’ tax’ to ensure the wealthiest Australians pay their fair share 12.05.12 | Media Release Reforms to make the wealthiest Australians pay their fair share of tax must be stepped up, including the introduction of a new “millionaires’ tax”.

International report shows strong action on climate change will create jobs for the future 10.05.12 | Media Release The scare campaign against action on climate change has once again been proved wrong by international research showing up to one million new Australian jobs would be created by positive investment in clean energy.

Government Budget support for loss-making businesses will help to protect jobs 09.05.12 | Media Release The Government’s plan in this year’s Budget to offer targeted tax relief for struggling businesses is welcome news for workers facing an insecure future.

Government takes important steps towards creating a fairer Australia with 2012 Budget 08.05.12 | Media Release The 2012-13 Federal Budget will help shape a fairer Australia, through a more progressive tax system, better assistance for low and middle income earners and protection for jobs in struggling businesses.

Jobs, rights, fairness and equality on the agenda as unions prepare for 2012 ACTU Congress 07.05.12 | Media Release Better protections for workers exercising their rights, a more balanced bargaining system and a range of improvements to economic and workplace conditions to help deliver secure jobs are all at the heart of a dynamic agenda for Australian unions...

Justice for James Hardie’s asbestos victims as the High Court finds ex-directors breached their duties 03.05.12 | Media Release Today’s High Court ruling that seven former directors of James Hardie misled the Australian Stock Exchange about the company’s ability to fund compensation claims from asbestos victims is a step towards justice for the families of those who suffered...

Reserve Bank must cut rates today and the big banks must pass it on 01.05.12 | Media Release Australia’s big four banks must pass on any official Reserve Bank move to cut interest rates today.

Restaurant bosses should try living on the same low wages as staff before trying to slash their pay 01.05.12 | Media Release An employer push to remove weekend penalty rates for workers in restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs would slash the pay of many of Australia’s lowest-paid workers, say unions.

Minimum wage Panel must put a safety net for the low-paid above all else 30.04.12 | Media Release A $26 a week wage increase should be granted to low-paid workers to maintain a safety net and ensure they do not fall further behind average income earners.