The Australian Fair Work Commission (FWC) decision to uphold the dismissal of Jennifer Kimber, an aged care receptionist, who refused the influenza vaccination was likened to a “system of medical apartheid,” a commissioner said. In April 2021, FWC rejected Kimber’s application for unfair dismissal after ruling the dismissal was not “harsh, unjust, or unreasonable,” a…

Industry groups have criticised Australia’s minimum wage has increased to $20.33 (US$15.45) per hour, saying it was hard to fathom the move given there were still businesses struggling from the COVID recession. The Fair Work Commission announced the 2.5 percent increase, which equals 49 cents per hour or $18.80 per week—to the minimum wage on Wednesday….

The Morrison government has cautioned that increasing Australia’s minimum wage this year could constrain small business recovery and employment. “Higher labor costs during this challenging period could present a major constraint to small business recovery and may dampen employment in the sector,” the government noted in a submission (pdf) to the Fair Work Commission’s annual…