Transport for NSW says the workers cannot turn off the readers under the notified industrial action, despite the maritime union's announcement.

More than 120 workers in "harrowing roles" walk out November 14 as union threatens escalation

Glasgow City Council has announced a pause in its controversial plan to dismiss and rehire over 23,000 non-teaching staff under new contracts, following constructive discussions with the Scottish government and trade unions. The council had initially proposed terminating all non-teaching staff contracts on New Year's Day, 2027, and reintroducing them with revised terms to address a long-standing equal pay dispute with unions GMB, Unite, and Unison. However, after negotiations collapsed, the council agreed to halt the process to allow further talks on a new pay and grading scheme that is free from discrimination. Councillor Allan Casey stated that the pause would enable the council to reintroduce the ACAS package for negotiation and create space for more discussions. The council had previously claimed that GMB and Unite had agreed to ballot members on an offer involving significant back pay and removing the threat of dismissals, though Unison withdrew its support. Sylvia Haughney, Glasgow education convener at Unison, criticized the council's claims as misleading and false, calling the fire-and-rehire policy 'utterly immoral' and 'shockingly deplorable,' noting that most affected staff receiving pay cuts were women. Council spokesman Colin Edgar confirmed that while all staff would be rehired, some would face wage reductions of nearly £11,000. Scottish Labour leader Michael Marra condemned the council's actions, stating it was 'beyond belief' that the SNP council was attempting to implement fire-and-rehire before it becomes illegal under the UK Labour government. The council emphasized that the change would not affect employees' continuity of service or pensions, with contracts changing at midnight on 31 December 2026. The pause comes amid ongoing demonstrations by the council over equal pay issues, highlighting the contentious nature of the proposed changes.

Glasgow City Council has announced plans to fire and rehire over 23,000 staff members, sparking significant backlash from workers and unions. The council claims the move is necessary to address a long-standing equal pay dispute, having previously paid £770m to 19,000 claimants after it was found that female workers in roles such as catering and cleaning were paid less than male-dominated roles like refuse collection. The new pay structure, following an eight-year negotiation process, would see 63% of affected staff gain financially, while 11% face pay cuts, with the highest reduction expected to be around £11,500 annually. A council worker, Joanne, a support for learning worker with 25 years of service, described the situation as 'heart breaking,' stating she was 'distraught' after being informed she would face a £300 annual pay cut. She questioned the council's claim of caring for employees, emphasizing her work with vulnerable children. The council's director of communications, Colin Edgar, stated that the new scheme removes unequal pay and ensures pay rises or stability for 90% of staff, with the total pay bill increasing substantially. However, unions, particularly Unison, have criticized the council's approach, accusing it of 'bullying tactics' and refusing to ballot members on the proposed pay offer. Unison's education convener, Sylvia Haughey, stressed that the union is fighting for members facing financial detriment, whether it be £200 or £12,000. The Scottish government's health secretary, Neil Gray, urged all parties to negotiate, while Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander condemned the council's decision, noting it comes just months before UK legislation will make fire and rehire schemes illegal. The council has also faced criticism for its timing, with Unite calling the move a 'scandalous threat.' The dispute has led to threats of legal action from council staff, and the council has stated that all non-teaching staff, including the chief executive, will receive dismissal letters, with new contracts set to begin on 1 January 2027. The council claims it has gone 'as far as it can' in negotiations, with talks breaking down after Unison refused to ballot members on the new pay offer. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between local authorities and unions over fair pay practices and the impact of employment law changes.

The Floriade flower festival, a major tourism attraction in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), is at risk of disruption due to potential industrial action by workers represented by the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees' Union (CFMEU). The union has warned that the ACT government rejected an interim agreement to prevent strikes during the festival, which is scheduled to run from Saturday until October 11. The CFMEU's ACT assistant branch secretary, Michael Hiscox, stated that workers are frustrated by the lack of a fair pay offer and the unresolved key issues in negotiations. The union proposed an interim deal that would include a front-line allowance for workers while negotiations on overall pay increases continue. Floriade contributes over $71.5 million to the ACT economy, and the union argues that the workers who prepare the festival deserve to benefit from its economic gains. The ACT government has stated that all union claims are being considered in good faith and that they are not aware of any protected industrial action directly affecting the festival. However, city cleaners are planning to take industrial action in several areas including Canberra city, Kingston, Griffith (Manuka shops), Belconnen, Gungahlin, Macquarie, and Greenway, with a work ban on collecting litter and emptying bins. Public Service Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith confirmed that the government made a third pay offer, which included 3% annual pay rises for three years plus inflation-linked top-up payments, but this was rejected by public servants. The minister emphasized that the offer was a genuine attempt to reach a fair agreement, given the cost of living pressures and economic uncertainty. The government has also stated that if protected industrial action is announced, they will implement mitigation measures to minimize disruption to the event. The union has expressed disappointment that the government refused to agree to an interim deal to keep Floriade unaffected during ongoing negotiations. The festival's potential disruption highlights the ongoing tensions between the ACT government and public sector workers over pay and working conditions.

Resident doctors across the UK have begun strike action over pay, with the British Medical Association confirming that operations, outpatient appoi… #BritishMedicalAssociation #Healthcareworkforce #NHS #Paydispute #Residentdoctors

Workers in Braddon, Canberra's premier hospitality and nightspot area, have announced a planned rubbish collection strike over ongoing pay disputes. The industrial action, led by the Construction, Forestry, Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), will see government service officers refuse to collect general waste on Sunday and Monday, following a previous work ban in the city centre. While hazardous materials like syringes and broken glass will still be collected, the strike is expected to leave the area looking untidy at the start of the week. The CFMEU seeks fair pay recognition for frontline workers, citing rising costs of essential in-person duties. A protected action ballot saw 99% of voters support industrial action after nearly a year of negotiations with the ACT government. Union representatives claim unresolved issues remain, prompting renewed strikes. City and Government Services Minister Tara Cheyne acknowledged the importance of these workers but noted the government has proposed a pay offer for ballot. Previous agreements secured a 34% pay rise over three years for low-paid general service officers, though unions argue recent offers fall short of demands. The ACT government faces pressure to reach new deals amid ongoing negotiations with staff unions.

A strike by WestJet flight attendants has begun after the airline and union failed to reach an agreement, impacting thousands of travelers. The union, CUPE 8125, rejected a proposed 13% pay increase effective October 1, retroactive to January 1, 2026, along with a 'duty pay premium' equivalent to another 12% salary boost. The offer also included benefits like expanded healthcare accounts, maternity leave top-ups, and flexible work programs. WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech stated the proposal aimed to set a new standard for cabin crew in Canada, but the union argued it did not address unpaid work hours adequately. Over 250,000 passengers have been affected by flight cancellations, with more disruptions expected if negotiations fail. The strike follows similar actions by Air Canada last year, where government intervention forced a resolution. Union president Alia Hussain criticized the airline for dismissing concerns over unpaid duties for nearly 11 months of bargaining, emphasizing that a comprehensive contract could have avoided the strike.

Approximately 2,700 employees of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment participated in a stop-work meeting today, citing pay offers that fall significantly below current inflation rates.

Industrial action at major glass manufacturer threatens supply chain as union and company remain at odds over negotiations

Lil Boosie announces he's taking control of his interviews, citing a disagreement with DJ Vlad over a denied $5,000 pay increase. Read the full story.

Scottish Water responds to STUC's call for the Scottish Government to intervene in pay row, as well as allegations about 'union-busting'.

Scottish Water staff will take strike action on 22 and 23 April, following a one-day strike on 28 March. in a dispute over pay.

Roughly 350 offshore workers are preparing to strike amid ongoing pay disputes with Repsol, CNOOC, and MCL Medics, according to UK union, Unite.

Qantas engineers across Australia go on strike over a pay dispute, causing flight delays at major airports during Australia's summer travel period.

Starmer said the offer included an above-inflation pay rise this year and would take total pay increases over three years to around 35 per cent, along with reforms to pay progression aimed at rewardin...