Gillard orders fresh start on airline staff award Nov 13, 2009
JULIA GILLARD has told the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to start again on new workplace awards for airline staff, prompting an angry response from Qantas. Unions said ground staff faced pay cuts of up to $300 a week, while pregnant cabin crew had lost the right to shift to other duties, under the awards unveiled in September. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Waking the sleeping giant Nov 12, 2009
This is a throwback to the legacy that industry funds have with industrial relations and occupational health and safety. But is it the right structure for today. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Lights on for inquiry into taxi industry Nov 12, 2009
Meanwhile, the NSW Office of Industrial Relations has begun a crackdown on dozens of taxi bases around Sydney suspected of denying taxi drivers their workplace entitlements ... But while specific intelligence about several bases has been passed on to the industrial relations office, the industry has long been rife with dodgy employment practices. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Proposed bill provides for setting up authority for complete command, development, production and use of nuclear, space technologies Nov 12, 2009
The committee also substituted the clause 14 of the bill which reads that the Industrial Relations Ordinance 2002 not to apply to employees of authority with Industrial Relations Act, 2008 not to apply to employees of authority. The standing committee also recommended that a sessions judge, notified by the federal government, shall have the jurisdiction to try offences under this act instead of a district and sessions judge. (Daily Times, Pakistan)
Dying driver won't get sick leave or holiday pay Nov 12, 2009
Mr Finch lodged a complaint with the Office of Industrial Relations, which confirmed it is investigating the case ... An Office of Industrial Relations flyer says such an arrangement is illegal. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Acting Eskom chairman to smooth ruffled feathers Nov 11, 2009
The deal that was brokered is credited as a landmark for the evolution of industrial relations in South Africa. While Makwana has experience in industrial relations too, the label of "prickly" - sometimes used to describe Godsell - would not aptly describe him. (Business Report, South Africa)
Bosses, unions condemn safety law Nov 11, 2009
work safety law unions. KIRSTY NEEDHAM WORKPLACE. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Army appeals judge's ruling on Colo. training site Nov 10, 2009
Last weeks' surprise inspections by the Department of Industrial Relations' Division of Occupational Safety and Health caught violators in several industries, including construction, recycling and agriculture. It was the largest heat enforcement action to date. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Aid extended for Isles' unemployed Nov 8, 2009
The state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said it had yet to determine how many people may be eligible for additional benefits and that it will be mailing out notices to people who may be eligible for the emergency unemployment compensation. There were 46,900 unemployed persons in Hawai'i during September, when the statewide jobless rate was 7. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Hawaii unemployed get extended benefits Nov 7, 2009
Hawaii s unemployed can get an extra 14 weeks of jobless benefits, the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations announced Friday. Hawaii s jobless already can collect benefits of up to $570 a week for 59 weeks, up from the 26-week limit that was in place before the recession. (Pacific Business News, HI)
A Cookbook for the Pennywise and Time-Crunched Nov 7, 2009
The Director of Labor and Industrial Relations, Nelson Befitel, has unashamedly professed his desire, and that of the state to relieve the department of any obligation to penalize businesses for infractions and, I can see where the natural sequence would be to alleviate any scrutiny that would expose abuse of power by the states employees. It is no wonder; I have experienced what I have. (Epicurious.com)
More of this story Nov 6, 2009
William Hoshijo is executive director of the Hawai i Civil Rights Commission, which falls administratively under the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. Hoshijo said confidentiality rules prohibit him from talking about specific cases, so he spoke generally about the process by which the commission determines whether or not complaints have merit. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Baillieu unveils new crime policy Nov 5, 2009
Health spokeswoman Helen Shardey, who is retiring before the November election, makes way for newcomer Ryan Smith who will enter shadow cabinet for manufacturing and industrial relations. David Hodgett comes in as new cabinet secretary, replacing Nicholas Kotsiras who retains immigration and citizenship. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Workers stunned by 'heartbreaking' news Nov 5, 2009
1 percent a year earlier, according to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. "The job market is so thin right now, with so many furloughs and the ag industry really taking a hit. We just had Gay son (sugar plantation on Kauai) go down and now this. And sugar on Maui is having a tough time," Kennison said. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Women would be winners in test case Nov 5, 2009
But NSW has not yet agreed to hand over its industrial relations powers to the Federal Government. A spokesman for the state Minister for Industrial Relations, John Hatzistergos, said yesterday: "NSW is presently engaged in discussions with the Commonwealth concerning the national industrial relations system.". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
18 Local Car Washes, Detailers Fined By State Nov 3, 2009
Investigators conducted 230 inspections and issued 141 citations to 103 car washes statewide, most for not registering their business, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations. The citations totaled $916,711. (TheSanDiegoChannel.com, CA)
Halt Hutton inquisition, urges former BBC chief Nov 1, 2009
Hall, who ran the BBC news operation for eight years, has tackled the financial crisis at Covent Garden and, with the help of his popular lieutenants, ballet director Monica Mason and musical director Anthony Pappano, he has presided over a period of improved morale and better industrial relations. In spite of mixed critical reviews for the work, Hall has sailed the ROH into calmer waters by streamlining management and increasing commercial development. (Yahoo News -- Hutton Report)
Hawaii creates nearly 1,200 jobs with federal stimulus funds Oct 31, 2009
According to preliminary figures provided by the state, Hawaii's Department of Education reported generating 549 jobs, the highest of any department, followed by others, including the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations with 273; the state Airports Division, 27; state Highways Division, 17; Department of Hawaiian Homes Lands, 16; and University of Hawaii, 12 ... According to preliminary figures provided by the state, Hawaii's Department of Education reported generating 549 jobs,... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Labor Dept. promotes workplace safety Oct 31, 2009
State Labor and Industrial Relations director Larry Rebman said Bee Seen Signs is one of 28 Missouri businesses "who are dedicated to making workplace safety a priority," through the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program, or SHARP.. But throughout the state in the last three months, Rebman said, Missouri has "seen an inordinate amount of deaths in the workplace," including 11 in July, 16 in August and 15 in September. (Fulton Sun, MO)
Hawaiis stimulus job count rises to 1,500 Oct 31, 2009
The Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations came in second with 273 jobs created or saved. Those jobs went primarily to employment and training program staff, counselors and case managers, Iboshi said. (Pacific Business News, HI)
Ghana Labour College in deplorable state Oct 31, 2009
Courses being pursued at the College include, labour economics, industrial relations, computer literacy, basic accounting, research methods and communication skills. The rest are union management, interpretation and analysis of financial Statement, gender and labour relations, occupational safety health and environment and labour legislations. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Ohio agency rules against former AG aide Oct 31, 2009
A brief on Page A5 Tuesday incorrectly described the basis of a ruling by the state Department of Industrial Relations upholding a disputed election to decide who should represent 10,000 Fresno County homecare workers. The department ruled on a challenge to election balloting. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
TAFE strikes defy IR ruling Oct 30, 2009
HUNDREDS of TAFE teachers across the state are staging wildcat strikes, defying an Industrial Relations Commission judgment on work conditions in return for pay rises. Strikes without union authorisation occurred at the Sydney Institute TAFE yesterday; the Wollongong, North Wollongong, Miller, Shellharbour, Dapto, Liverpool, Yallah and Hornsby TAFE colleges plan the same this week. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Gold Fields Limited - Operating Profit of R2.8 Billion and Net Earnings of R1.0 Billion in the Quarter Ended September 2009 Oct 29, 2009
This is, however, subject to resolution of the current industrial relations situation affecting the gold sector in Ghana, which continues to be tense following protracted wage negotiations which, at the time of writing, are not close to resolution. The Group has achieved a solid cost performance during the first quarter. (Canada Newswire)
Business: home to bad debts Oct 29, 2009
But if the profit results from ANZ today and Westpac next Wednesday confirm NAB's experience, we can declare that industrial relations reform, government stimulus and interest rate cuts have combined so far to quarantine households from the downturn. Government hand-outs worked to boost corporate revenue and underpin debt servicing capacity. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Is the venue really to blame for Rudd no-show? Oct 27, 2009
At the caucus meeting last week, the State Labor President Bernie Riordan questioned what sort of reception Gillard would get, thanks to her changes to occupational health and safety and industrial relations laws as Federal IR minister. Source. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Strike ballot for BA cabin crew Oct 27, 2009
"Negotiation, not imposition, is the only proper way to conduct industrial relations.". Pay increases. (BBC News -- Business)
Boeing Board May Put Jet Assembly Jobs in South Amid Seattle Union Rift Oct 26, 2009
Its an attempt to use the non-union plant as leverage against the unionized workforce, said , a professor of industrial relations at Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. Seattles fortunes have long been tied to aerospace. (Bloomberg -- US)
State office closures catch several by surprise Oct 25, 2009
Reynoldlyn Botelho, a single mother and student, said she could not reach anyone by phone at the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for information on filing an address change ... Reynoldlyn Botelho, a single mother and student, said she could not reach anyone by phone at the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations for information on filing an address change. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Halt Hutton inquisition, urges former BBC chief Oct 25, 2009
Hall, who ran the BBC news operation for eight years, has tackled the financial crisis at Covent Garden and, with the help of his popular lieutenants, ballet director Monica Mason and musical director Anthony Pappano, he has presided over a period of improved morale and better industrial relations. In spite of mixed critical reviews for the work, Hall has sailed the ROH into calmer waters by streamlining management and increasing commercial development. (Yahoo News -- Hutton Report)
Hawaii citizens find government services unavailable Oct 25, 2009
At the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations office, some came looking for help in applying for a general excise tax license or to file their unemployment claims ... Offices closed next Friday, the next furlough day, include the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, which includes the unemployment office, vital records and offices that issue camping and hiking permits ... Offices closed next Friday, the next furlough day, include the state Department of Labor and... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Hawaii jobless rate creeps up to 7.2% Oct 23, 2009
Figures released by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations show there were 46,900 unemployed workers in the Islands last month, as an economic downturn continues to add to jobless rolls. Hawaii's seasonally adjusted joblessness has been around the 7 percent range since March, briefly dipping to 6. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Post leaders attack Mandelson Oct 22, 2009
He also accused Mr Cameron of bringing industrial relations "into the political arena". Bookmark with. (BBC News -- UK)
TOMORROW'S NEWS - Unemployment hovers near 10 percent Oct 22, 2009
While the reason for the discrepancy could not be pinpointed Wednesday, it is likely because of a seasonal adjustment and the number of lay-offs counteracting the amount of individuals re-hired, said Information Officer for the Department Of Labor and Industrial Relations Ryan Markham. There were no reported mass lay-offs for Kaua i last month, but it could just be a steady stream of unemployment across the island, he said Wednesday. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Nurses left in lurch after redundancy ban Oct 22, 2009
The redundancies have become a staffing debacle, with the Health Services Union and the NSW Nurses Association repeatedly before the Industrial Relations Commission ... This had left 66 nurses at Sydney West Area Health Service before the Industrial Relations Commission fighting to have their redundancies finalised, said a nurses association organiser, Marny Thomas. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Hawaii furloughs will close most state offices two Fridays a month Oct 22, 2009
At the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, for example, people will not be able to apply for unemployment insurance claims on furlough Fridays. At the state Department of Land and Natural Resources, people will not be able to get camping or hiking permits or vessel registrations on furlough Fridays. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Draft award accused of cutting workers' pay Oct 22, 2009
It is opposing the pay rates and conditions contained in four national awards drafted by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission ... It said the NSW Industrial Relations Commission had awarded these workers pay rises in 2006 because it recognised the predominantly female workforce was undervalued. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Furloughs will close most state offices two Fridays a month starting this week Oct 21, 2009
The Lingle administration said some departments and agencies will follow separate furlough schedules and remain open on furlough Fridays, including the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and community health centers. Several other offices will maintain current office hours but stagger and rotate furlough days. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Hawaii worker furloughs begin Friday Oct 21, 2009
Some agencies, such as the Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations and community health centers will follow different furlough schedules and remain open for the public to meet deadlines. Other offices will keep their current hours and stagger furlough days, including the Bureau of Conveyances, Halawa Animal Quarantine Station, Airport Animal Holding Facility, plant quarantine inspections at state airports and harbors, Department of Defense, Department of... (Pacific Business News, HI)
Pure (Green) Market Economics Oct 20, 2009
This is similar to the arguments for protectionism for industries effected by lower industrial relations costs in the major developing countries like India and China. Secondly, the Coalition says its amendments will protect Australian jobs. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Alabama's jobless rate climbs to 10.7% Oct 17, 2009
Alabama Department of Industrial Relations Director Tom Surtees said the higher rate is disappointing but sees a ray of hope with the number of initial jobless claims dropping to its lowest level this year. That indicates that fewer people are filing for new unemployment compensation benefits, he said in a statement. (Birmingham Business Journal, AL)
Unilever names worst fear: an L-shaped future Oct 15, 2009
Mulder asked whether Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies had received a report entitled Through the Eyes of IDC Employees from presidential official Jessie Duarte - about industrial relations at the IDC - and whether he had been informed "regarding a party which the IDC held in honour of chairperson Wendy Luhabe" ... Davies said he was made aware of "anonymous allegations concerning industrial relations at the IDC. This was brought to the attention of the IDC and is being dealt with.". (Business Report, South Africa)
A Lesson For Ghana In The Investigation Of Dr. Yankey & Co Oct 15, 2009
He served as Parliamentary Secretary, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Primary Industries and Fisheries and Minister for Health. In 2006, a Queensland Crime and Misconduct Commission (CMC) began an investigation into a series of suspicious loans Mr. Nuttal had received from a mining magnate. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Blogger sacked over anti-Courier Mail rant Oct 12, 2009
" Currently six New South Wales corrective services officers are in the Industrial Relations Commission threatened with dismissal after they commented on the privatisation of jails in NSW on a Facebook group. Earlier this year Telstra was embroiled in controversy after it sacked an employee who ran satirical Twitter account @FakeStephenConroy which lampooned the Communications Minister. As such, companies are quickly cottoning on to the need to regulate employees' use of social media. "Certainly... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
How do you solve a puzzle like Octaviar Oct 12, 2009
There have been a few things that made it very challenging in terms of the environment,'' said Joyce, who has had to deal with a swine flu pandemic, an economic crisis, an industrial relations dispute, a senior management overhaul, a 787 delivery delay and a $500 million capital raising. And the upcoming Qantas annual meeting will probably create a few more grey hairs. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Hospital wages rise above the flat line Oct 12, 2009
It was a dramatic about-turn for the department, which agreed in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission to the rise in return for such commitments as the doctors working extra weekend and evening shifts and at nearby hospitals once staff had increased. Tony Sara, NSW president of the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation, said that last year half the vacancies for trainee emergency doctors were left empty and of those filled many staff were from overseas. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Labour issues: Honda may take 2-wheeler plant out of India Oct 10, 2009
Mohan Deepak, VP for Industrial Relations at HMSI, said the average cost-to-company (CTC) for a shop-floor worker is currently around Rs 25,000. However, the labour union is now demanding higher fix and variable salary apart from better incentives, something that he says will push their CTC higher than shop floor workers at Hero Honda, the current market leaders with stronger business and production figures. (India Times)
Has this ordinary Joe got what it takes? Oct 9, 2009
His supporters note his ministerial career was full of challenges requiring a grasp of technicalities: driving a major overhaul of the tourism industry with his white paper; conquering obscure points of industrial relations law to craft the Fairness Test backdown when he was workplace minister; understanding the complexities of merging six agencies into one as human services minister. Critics beg to differ. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
SAGE to publish Transfer: European Review of Labor and Research Oct 8, 2009
Transfer stimulates dialogue between the European trade union movement and the academic and research community, helping to foster understanding of significant developments in the field of European trade union policy and industrial relations ... Transfer joins a prestigious collection of journals in the field of industrial relations including Journal of Industrial Relations, European Journal of Industrial Relations and Work, Employment and Society. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Hotels suffer summer slide in rates Oct 6, 2009
Duty Free Hawaii, which just reported a seven-person layoff in its Pacific Division to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, is the latest in a long line of visitor industry-related casualties ... Duty Free Hawaii, which just reported a seven-person layoff in its Pacific Division to the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, is the latest in a long line of visitor industry-related casualties. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
GTUC submits proposals on 2010 Budget to Government Oct 3, 2009
" and reduce poverty if its policies are constraining growth and rigged against the poor? 4.0 Employment 4.1 Employment creation is the single most important socio-economic as well as political challenge facing policymakers in Ghana. The challenge relate directly to the rapid decline in formal sector jobs and the informilisation of employment. In its manifesto for election 2008, the NDC noted, and rightly so, that "Ghana has enough resources for all Ghanaians to have dignified livelihood through... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
'Failed' treasurer Costa warns on health budget Oct 1, 2009
The Federal Government needed to cover key areas, Mr Costa said, calling for national industrial relations and occupational health and safety systems. States should avoid areas such as consumer affairs that could be handled on a uniform basis nationally. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Let's stop the rot Sep 30, 2009
To help business, the Government could now: refer industrial relations powers to the Commonwealth to allow a truly national system instead of the current confusing, inefficient patchwork; make regulatory requirements easier to understand; at least match Victoria's payroll tax rates; reduce land tax 00004000 and abolish nuisance taxes. It is business, not government, which drives the economy of NSW. We need to create an environment that supports a thriving private sector for the benefit of the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
State cracks down on heat violations Sep 30, 2009
Last weeks' surprise inspections by the Department of Industrial Relations' Division of Occupational Safety and Health caught violators in several industries, including construction, recycling and agriculture ... "Gaining compliance from employers is the goal to successfully reducing the number of illnesses and fatalities for all outdoor workers," said John Duncan, director of the Department of Industrial Relations. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
How to avoid ending up like the Facebook Six Sep 25, 2009
Six New South Wales corrective services officers are making a complaint to the Industrial Relations Commission alleging that they were threatened with the sack over. The comments related to the Corrective Services Commissioner, Ron Woodham, and other staff in relation to the planned privatisation of jails. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Technology)
George Williams Sep 23, 2009
He is the Anthony Mason Professor of law and Foundation Director of the Gilbert + Tobin Centre of Public Law at the University of NSW, and has written and edited 22 books on topics such as human rights, anti-terror law, the High Court, electoral law and constitutional law. Australia's new citizenship test is a big improvement on the old exam. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Regional Roundup Sep 22, 2009
Mark Wyland, R-Carlsbad, vice chairman of the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee and the Labor and Industrial Relations Committee, has announced his endorsement of Paul Hegyi for the 10th Assembly District, according to Hegyi's campaign. Hegyi, chief of staff for Assemblyman Van Tran, R-Garden Grove, was a member of Wyland's staff when Wyland was in the Assembly. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Trial begins over Deere dispute Sep 22, 2009
whose 43-year career with Deere began on the factory floor and ended as industrial relations manager at John Deere Parts Distribution Center in Milan, Ill. Throughout the series of meetings they have held with hundreds of retirees leading up to today's trial in U.S. District Court, Gabbard, who is FRO's president, and his fellow officers have maintained their undying support for Deere and the company's success. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Pratt & Whitney to Cut 1,000 Conn. Jobs Sep 22, 2009
R.A. Warters, the company's vice president of industrial relations, told union officials in a letter that management is "extremely disappointed that our collective efforts fell short and that our work together was unable to identify a viable alternative" to eliminating the jobs. The Machinists, which represent 3,700 Pratt ey employees, accused the company of "pursuing its relentless goal of ever-more profit.". (ABC News -- Wire)
Ten things you need to know about employing staff Sep 21, 2009
This can lead to claims for employee entitlements, such as redundancy," Duggal explained. 3. Modern awards replace the old awards, and some will have increased casual loadings and holiday penalty rates. This is a big issue for hospitality and tourism industry, and potentially for any retailer, because theres a new Federal general retail industry award, which is quite broad. This may represent more cost, and will impact the number of staff employed as well as the cash they get in hand. Have... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
241 removed from furlough list Sep 21, 2009
Labor and Industrial Relations ... Labor and Industrial Relations. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Unemployment holds steady Sep 21, 2009
The number of Hawai i s total seasonally adjusted nonagricultural jobs declined by 6,500 in August to 594,500, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations said in an article by the Associated Press. Government shed 2,800 jobs last month, primarily in the Department of Education, because of its year-round calendar, state officials said. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Hawaii's unemployment rate rises to 7.2% in August Sep 20, 2009
Figures released by the state Department of Labor and Industrial Relations show 46,050 people were unemployed last month, or 850 more than July when the jobless rate was 7. 0 percent. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Alcohol is good - so let's drink to that Sep 20, 2009
They recommend enacting workplace alcohol education, introducing health checks for employees, and making alcohol prevention strategies a part of industrial relations awards. What's interesting about these proposals is what they reveal of the health community's beliefs about the sort of lives Australians should be leading. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Hawaii businesses rocked by skyrocketing unemployment tax Sep 20, 2009
2 percent and lower unemployment insurance tax payments in 2008 and 2009, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations projects the trust fund will be depleted by the end of 2010 from an all-time high balance of $552 million in 2007. "It certainly couldn't come at a worse time," said Tim Lyons, president of the nonprofit Hawaii Business League, whose membership includes 1,100 small businesses. (Honolulu Advertiser)
