Media releases ACTU media enquiries Mark Phillips Media Coordinator T: (03) 8676 7266 F: (03) 9600 0050 M: 0422 009 011 mphillips@actu.org.au Amanda Nguyen Media and Communications Project Officer T: (03) 9664 7326   F: (03) 9600 0050 M: 0418 479 455 anguyen@actu.org.au Our media releases below are ordered chronologically. Use the advanced search to find releases on specific topics or subscribe to updates and have media releases sent to your email.

Overturning of penalties against ex-James Hardie directors is an insult to victims and their families 17.12.10 | Media Release | Health & Safety Today’s decision by the New South Wales Supreme Court to overturn bans against former directors of James Hardie is a slap in the face of the families of asbestos victims.

Workers set to win lower fees and more super in retirement from Govt reforms 16.12.10 | Media Release Reform of Australia’s superannuation system will provide working Australians with more financial security in retirement through lower fees and simpler super funds.

Community workers rally in support of pay equity case: unions call on Govt to fund pay rises 15.12.10 | Media Release | Equal Pay State governments and employer groups must not stand in the way of equal pay for social and community sector workers following the Federal Government’s clarification of its support for a landmark test case.

Cancún outcomes have laid firm foundations for global action on climate change 12.12.10 | Media Release | Climate Change & Jobs Unions have secured protection of the rights of workers in the transition to a low-pollution economy in final negotiations at the United Nations climate change conference in Cancún.

Banking reform package is a good start towards more competition and better consumer options 12.12.10 | Media Release Reforms of the banking sector announced today by the Federal Government will go some way to encouraging more competition and options for consumers.

Flexibility and ambition needed for progress in Cancún 09.12.10 | Media Release | Climate Change & Jobs The Australian Conservation Foundation, the ACTU and The Climate Institute have urged the Australian Government to show flexibility and build ambition in the final days of this important meeting.

WorkChoices is alive and well under Liberals in Western Australia 08.12.10 | Media Release | Don't go back to work choices WorkChoices is on the way back in Western Australia following the release of a long-awaited review of the state’s industrial relations system.

Australia must join the race in the emerging low-pollution global economy 03.12.10 | Media Release | Climate Change & Jobs The Cancun Climate Change Summit now underway will be an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and further global action on climate change.

Fair Work Australia rejects employers attempt to steal Christmas 02.12.10 | Media Release A decision handed down today by Fair Work Australia will ensure that manufacturing workers in NSW, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory will be paid holiday penalty rates if called to work on Christmas day.

2010 ACTU Whitlam Lecture by Ross Gittins 01.12.10 | Media Release Ross Gittins has been asked by the ACTU to address the topic of economic inequality and answer the question “Is Australia the Land of the Fair Go?”

Statement of condolence to families of victims of the Pike River Mine disaster 25.11.10 | Media Release Australian unions extend their sympathy to the families of the victims of the Pike River Mine tragedy in New Zealand, particularly the relatives of the two Australian victims, William Joynson and Joshua Ufer.

Ark Tribe’s acquittal is further proof the ABCC must be abolished 24.11.10 | Media Release | Rights on Site Today’s acquittal of Adelaide building worker Ark Tribe is proof that the Australian Building and Construction Commission is a farce and should be abolished.

Unions call for new national public awareness campaign on dangers of asbestos 23.11.10 | Media Release | Health & Safety this week’s national Asbestos Awareness Week is a timely reminder that up to 20,000 Australians will be affected by asbestos-related diseases over the next two decades, but more needs to be done to highlight the dangers of the deadly substance.

Employers could force people to work on Christmas Day unless an extra public holiday is declared 22.11.10 | Media Release Christmas Day should be declared a public holiday in every state and territory to protect workers who usually work on a Saturday from being forced by their employer to work and miss out on a family Christmas.

Federal Government must stick to its commitment to overcoming unequal pay 19.11.10 | Media Release | Equal Pay The Federal Government must not abandon the opportunity to create a lasting and landmark reform of the gender pay imbalance in Australian workplaces.