CFMEU moves closer to amalgamation
13 December, 2016The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and the Textile Clothing and Footware Union of Australia (TCFUA) are one step closer to amalgamation, having signed an amalgamation memorandum of understanding. The two unions have been increasingly collaborating over the last 12 months.
There is no substitute for safety in your workplace
07 December, 2016 by Malcolm Richards | Supplied by: Master Electricians AustraliaThere have been far too many electrical deaths in Australia this year, with in excess of 100 families burying a loved one who has been tragically killed while on the job.
Concern over proposed WA power sell-off
06 December, 2016The announcement from Western Australia's Barnett government of plans to sell 51% of the state's power utility if re-elected has caused concern.
Green light for job cuts?
02 December, 2016Last week, the Fair Work Commission handed down its findings from negotiations between publicly owned Essential Energy and the unions representing the majority of workers employed by the company. The negotiations aimed to settle on a revised enterprise agreement and have been in play since June 2015, when the previous agreement expired. Among the points of contention in discussion were provisions for redundancy and outsourcing.
New asbestos checklist for tradies
30 November, 2016As part of National Asbestos Awareness month (which ends today) tradies are invited to remain vigilant when working on projects which may contain asbestos materials. To help identify potential hazards, you can download the 'Residential checklist for tradies — a tradesperson's guide to asbestos-containing materials in domestic properties' PDF file from the Asbestos Awareness website.
Maximising operational efficiency
29 November, 2016 by Todd Ewing, Director Product Marketing | Supplied by: Verizon Connect Australia Pty LtdAs the weather starts to warm, thoughts soon turn to spring-cleaning and general household sprucing-up, which many people wisely choose not to DIY. While service field business owners and managers in temperate climes are generally busy year-round, those in colder regions know that the advent of warmer weather means that things get busy — quickly.
Driving behavioural change
24 November, 2016 by Jerome Carslake | Supplied by: National Road Safety Partnership ProgramOn a crisp autumn morning, a majestic sunrise greeted early-morning drivers in north-western Queensland. One inspired commuter thought it was an opportunity to good to be missed, snapping a selfie and posting it on social media — all from behind the wheel. It was the last update she ever posted.
More calls for ABCC reinstatement
22 November, 2016The Australian Mines and Metals Association (AMMA) is the latest industry group to weigh in on the ongoing Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) situation.
Managing mental health in the workplace
21 November, 2016 by Janine Nicholson | Supplied by: myosh - HSEQ Management SoftwareWhy are businesses and organisations focusing more effort and resources into raising awareness about mental health in the workplace? We take a look at some of the staggering facts that are emerging and the extent of the issue.
Charges laid over alleged altercation
15 November, 2016An alleged altercation at a picket line in September this year has led to assault charges for an Electrical Trades Union (ETU) official.
New website showcases energy efficiency schemes
08 November, 2016A national website providing an entry point for the latest information on all market-based energy efficiency schemes operating in Australia was launched late October by the Energy Efficiency Certificate Creators Association (EECCA), which represents businesses actively involved in market-based energy efficiency schemes across Australia.
Work-related fatalities — how does your industry fare?
31 October, 2016 | Supplied by: Safe Work AustraliaSafe Work Australia has published the latest Work-related Traumatic Injury Fatalities report, providing details on the number of people who have died in Australia from work-related injuries.
Unions issue demand in the wake of utilities sell-off
28 October, 2016Two of Australia's power unions, the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and United Services Union (USU), are calling for the new owners of a controlling stake in Australia's largest electricity distribution network, Ausgrid, to commit to a legally binding agreement that ensures existing employment numbers and service standards are retained.
New EPA standards for construction waste
27 October, 2016The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has released public consultation draft amendments to improve the quality and quantity of re-usable construction and demolition (C&D) waste material in NSW.
Why Australians quit their jobs
26 October, 2016Around 63% of Australian workers quit their jobs due to a poor cultural fit, according to new research released by recruitment specialists Robert Walters. Where financial indicators were once the main drawcard, non-financial indicators — such as performance management processes and workplace flexibility — are now the standards by which prospective employers are judged.
