HR/IR Related News Update 26 June 2014

Extra 9 minutes at work doesn't increase productivity, observer warns
If you've ever resented the colleague who makes a habit of slipping off home 10 minutes early or who refuses to make their mid-morning coffee a takeaway, you're probably onto something.
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ACTU boycotts royal commission
The ACTU has boycotted a policy review by the royal commission into trade unions, saying it is too rushed and "piecemeal".
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Tasmanian Catholic teachers to strike after talks break down over conditions
As part of the industrial campaign Catholic teachers will hand out pamphlets to parents and wear campaign material to work. Next week they are expected walk off the job for the first time.
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Watching employees in the new tech age
A digital Big Brother is coming to work, for better or worse.
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Government 'making it easier to sack workers', CPSU claims
Bargaining for agreements affecting tens of thousands of public servants have kicked off and the Community and Public Sector Union has accused the government of using negotiations to make it easier to sack workers.
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Big pay rise for Serco guards
More than 220 Serco workers at Acacia Prison are set to get a pay increase 55 per cent above what public servants are entitled to under the Government's tough wages policy - and taxpayers are funding it.
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Union royal commission: transport workers forced to use TWU superannuation fund, inquiry told
A West Australian truck driver has told an inquiry into union corruption he was not allowed to use a superannuation fund of his choice.
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Termination found to be adverse action because of employer’s inconsistent responses to bullying
In a recent case involving the CFMEU and BHP Coal, the Federal Court had to consider an application by the CFMEU for two employees to be reinstated because the termination of their employment was said to be adverse action, taken for reasons connected with their exercise of workplace rights, and in particular their union membership.
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Work Health and Safety: defence available for workplace accident
In the case of Workcover v Patrick Container Ports 17 February 2014, the court found that there was nothing further that could have been done by the PCBU that was reasonably practicable to avoid the incident.
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