Sydney Opera House restaurant on notice over staff underpayments
Exclusive – Written by Workforce editor David Marin-Guzman. The Sydney Opera House’s iconic Opera Kitchen is being monitored over what is said to be a “pattern of behaviour” after the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) found it had underpaid a visa worker minimum rates and wrongly substituted meals and drinks for penalty rates and loading. The ...more
3.5m more workers by 2025, better managers = better productivity
The Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency (AWPA) has released its 2013 National Workforce Development Strategy. It says Australia’s workforce will grow by 3.5 million people by 2025, with better skills and productivity key factors in maintaining economic growth. The strategy relies on modelling based on several factors, including “labour force, industrial and workplace trends”. It ...more
Skills squeeze drives 457 visa spike
Employers need to remember many things when it comes to 457 visas, including ensuring applicants have the attributes and skills to successfully undertake the position. “It’s wise to make a preliminary assessment of the visa applicant’ résumé, qualifications, work references and, importantly, their English level,” KPMG migration practice head Karen Waller told HR Report.
Source: Thomson Reuters, HR Report, 4 November 2010.
Building company fined for holding back 457 visa employee records
A construction company has been fined more than $4,000 for failing to provide employee records to two Filipino workers who claimed they were being underpaid. Florante Alcantara and Thomie Pacho requested their employee records from Buildpower Pty Ltd in April 2010 but the company did not produce the documents until September 14 after an order from the Federal Magistrates Court.
(Alcantara & Anor v Buildpower Pty Ltd (No.2) [2010], FMCA763, 8/10/10)
Source: Workforce, 13 October 2010
Maria Jockel to address Migration Institute of Australia
You can hear Maria Jockel address the Migration Institute of Australia’s Conference in Melbourne from 9-11 October.
Maria, who is the author of Thomson Reuters’ 457 Visa Law: Addressing Australia’s Skilled Labour Shortage, will explain how the new temporary business entry framework and worker protection amendments to the Migration Act affect you and your clients.
Shorten to remain WR minister for now, Kearney rules out Lalor seat
Workplace Relations minister Bill Shorten, a key figure in last night’s caucus ousting of Julia Gillard, earlier today told radio station 3AW he had requested new Prime Minister Kevin Rudd that he retain the WR and financial services portfolio.
And the Federal Government’s 457 visa legislation has passed the House of Representatives despite fears earlier today the Bill could be dumped after it was left off today’s running order for debate.
— from Workforce Daily, 18734, 27 June 2013.