industrial relations

Defence Department civilians have been offered a pay rise below the minimal increase given to military personnel. The union is applying to take industrial action to join other departments in revolt.

Workplace relations is under the spotlight at the Productivity Commission, and it’s asking all the right questions to start a public discussion over public service employment.

Recently introduced legislation provides a protected avenue for the making of public interest disclosures and institutes heavy penalties for any related reprisal action. Ignore at your peril.

Human Services says looming industrial action won’t cause major disruption, despite warnings from the government. The union says there’ll be minimal collateral damage.

The Abbott government is spurning co-operation on pay negotiations in favour of a more combative approach, says one labour law academic — and it’s a recipe for unrest.