Read current and past media statements from the ACTU.
You can also keep track of ACTU media releases by following the official ACTU feed on Twitter at @unionsaustralia.
All ACTU media enquiries should be directed to ACTU Media team:
T: 03 9664 7315 (24 hours)
E: media@actu.org.au
June 5, 2023
ACTU research has mapped the extensive use of labour hire companies by Qantas to drive down the wages and rights of Australian workers.
The research shows that Qantas has split its cabin crew workforce across 14 companies and contractors to drive down wages and conditions so they can post billions in profits, whilst workers struggle with the cost of living.
June 5, 2023
Today’s announcement that the Albanese Government will begin to tackle the systemic and widespread exploitation of migrant workers in Australia is an important step forward. Drivers of exploitation include temporary visa conditions that tie workers to single employers, no protection or guarantee that workers reporting workplace exploitation will not face deportation and weak regulation and enforcement.
May 31, 2023
Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics today show that after three months of steady decline, inflation has again jumped – to 6.8% in the 12 months to April 2023. Over the 12 months to March 2023, inflation rose by 6.3%, so today’s figures reveal a rise of 0.5%.
May 29, 2023
Big business is outsourcing labour in Australia at rapidly rising rates, undermining wages, job security and conditions in all industries. The practice is rife in aviation, mining, manufacturing and transport, as well as hospitality, agriculture, meat processing, security and cleaning.
May 25, 2023
The number of workers on sham or “dependent” contracting is at record highs, and now outnumbers genuinely independent contractors for the first time, new research by the ACTU shows.
May 25, 2023
Chhim Sithar Sentenced to Two Years; Eight Others Receive Up to One and a Half Years
May 23, 2023
Qantas announced this afternoon it is set to post a record $2.48 billion full-year profit for the
2023 financial year.
The Guardian reports that this forecast is almost $1 billion higher than the airline’s previous
profit record of $1.6 billion in 2018
May 22, 2023
Casual workers are falling further behind their permanently employed counterparts, new research by the ACTU shows.
Across the board, casual employees earn $11.59 less per hour than their permanent counterparts: $28.95 per hour versus $40.54. This is a pay gap of 28.6% which has been growing steadily since 2016 and is now the highest on record.
May 22, 2023
Casual workers are falling further behind their permanently employed counterparts, new research by the ACTU shows.
Across the board, casual employees earn $11.59 less per hour than their permanent counterparts: $28.95 per hour versus $40.54. This is a pay gap of 28.6% which has been growing steadily since 2016 and is now the highest on record.
May 18, 2023
Labour market figures released today show unemployment is rising steadily: from 3.5% in March (later revised up to 3.6%) and now to 3.7% in April.
