|

Australia introduces mandatory pay floor and injury coverage for gig workers

ByJustpaste.in

In a major shift for gig economy rights, Australia’s industrial umpire has ordered delivery platforms to pay food and grocery couriers a mandatory minimum rate alongside compulsory personal accident insurance.

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) ruled late on Tuesday that gig delivery workers must earn a minimum rate for active delivery time. The order, set to take effect on 17 August, is expected to benefit roughly 250,000 workers across the country.

Beyond baseline wages, platforms such as Uber Eats and DoorDash will now be legally required to provide personal accident cover for couriers on duty, though workers will remain responsible for third-party vehicle insurance.

The reform stems from workplace legislation passed by Australia’s Labor government in 2023 and 2024, which empowered the FWC to regulate conditions for independent contractors previously excluded from traditional employment protections.

In a joint statement, the Transport Workers Union (TWU), Uber Eats, and DoorDash welcomed the determination. TWU National Secretary Michael Kaine hailed the order as a landmark moment that establishes new standards for a workforce long left outside national workplace systems.

Similar Posts

  • |

    Pakistan cricketers to receive CPL NOCs on August 19

    ByJustpaste.in

    LAHORE: Pakistan’s contracted cricketers heading to the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) will have to wait until August 19 to receive their No-Objection Certificates (NOCs), as the national domestic calendar takes priority. According to sources, the CPL is scheduled to begin on Friday, with the tournament final set to be played on September 20. However, Pakistan players involved in the domestic National Champions Cup will not be released for overseas commitments until the competition concludes. The Champions Cup is being played in Multan from August 11 to 18, meaning the players selected for the tournament are expected to receive their CPL NOCs from the following day. Several Pakistan players have CPL contracts this season, including Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Muaz Sadaqat, Naseem Shah and Sufiyan Muqeem. These players are also representing different teams in the Champions Cup, creating a scheduling clash between domestic and franchise cricket. The decision means the players will join their respective CPL franchises only after completing their domestic commitments. Meanwhile, Usman Tariq and Haseebullah Khan are also set to feature in the Caribbean tournament but are not part of the Champions Cup squad. Their availability is therefore not affected by the domestic competition in the same way. The NOC timeline has attracted attention because the CPL is an important opportunity for Pakistan players to gain experience in overseas franchise cricket. For the players involved, the challenge will now be to make a quick transition from domestic cricket in Multan to the Caribbean conditions. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s approach also underlines its emphasis on ensuring national players remain available for domestic competitions before taking part in overseas leagues. With the CPL running until September 20, Pakistan fans will be closely watching how the country’s representatives perform once they join their respective franchises.

  • | |

    Jonas Brothers announce 45-City ‘Burning Up Tour All Over Again’

    ByJustpaste.in

    The Jonas Brothers are heading back on the road, bringing one of the most nostalgic chapters of their career into the present with their newly announced Burning Up Tour All Over Again. Nick, Joe and Kevin Jonas confirmed the news through their official Instagram page, announcing an expanded 45-city North American tour inspired by their celebrated 2008 Burning Up Tour. The announcement follows the brothers’ upcoming three-night return to New York’s Madison Square Garden, where they will perform on August 20, 21 and 22. The new tour marks a major celebration of the era that helped establish the Jonas Brothers as one of the defining pop-rock groups of the late 2000s. Rather than simply revisiting their past, the tour will give longtime fans an opportunity to experience the music and spirit of the Burning Up period once again, nearly two decades after the original tour. According to the tour announcement shared on the brothers’ official Instagram, the expanded run will travel across North America, with performances scheduled in major cities including Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, Toronto and Seattle. The tour is set to conclude in Newark, New Jersey, on December 21. The announcement has generated significant excitement among fans, particularly those who followed the brothers during their Disney-era rise to international fame. The Burning Up period remains closely associated with some of the group’s best-known songs, including “Burnin’ Up,” “S.O.S.” and “Tonight.” The tour will also feature a selection of special guests across different dates, including Magnus Ferrell, Franklin Jonas, All Time Low and Deleasa.   The Jonas Brothers’ decision to revisit the Burning Up era comes at a particularly nostalgic moment for the band and its fanbase. After years of evolving individually and collectively, Nick, Joe and Kevin continue to find ways to connect their past with their present. With 45 cities now on the schedule, The Burning Up Tour All Over Again promises to turn a beloved chapter of Jonas Brothers history into a new live experience, giving longtime fans a chance to relive the era while introducing its music to a new generation. The announcement also highlights the group’s enduring connection with audiences who have followed their journey for nearly two decades. https://www.instagram.com/p/DcJOUDVvGaw/?igsh=MXUxZDd5NjNjYnNyZQ==&igsi=MXUxZDd5NjNjYnNyZQ==

  • | |

    Phil Collins says Taylor Swift’s success is ‘well deserved’ after memorable early performance

    ByJustpaste.in

    Music icon Phil Collins has spoken warmly about Taylor Swift, praising the singer-songwriter’s rise to global stardom and saying her remarkable success has been fully earned. Speaking during a BBC Radio 2 interview, the Genesis frontman reflected on a performance that left a lasting impression on him. Collins recalled watching Swift perform her ballad “White Horse” at the Songwriters Hall of Fame event in 2008, describing the moment as one that has stayed with him ever since. According to Collins, the performance stood out because of its simplicity and emotional honesty. With only an acoustic guitar accompanying her, Swift delivered the song in a way that highlighted both her songwriting and vocal ability. He said the heartfelt sentiment behind the lyrics, combined with her expressive singing, made the performance unforgettable. Collins explained that the stripped-back arrangement allowed the emotion of the song to shine through, adding that it created a lasting soft spot for both the track and the artist. Looking back, he said it is easy to understand why Swift went on to become one of the most successful musicians of her generation. Swift has spent the years since that performance building one of the music industry’s most celebrated careers. Her albums have consistently topped charts around the world, while her songwriting has earned widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. Her ability to reinvent her sound while maintaining a close connection with fans has made her one of the defining artists of modern pop music. The admiration appears to be mutual. In 2019, Swift performed a cover of Collins’ song “Can’t Stop Loving You,” introducing the classic hit to many younger listeners while paying tribute to one of her musical influences. The performance was widely welcomed by fans of both artists. Collins, whose career with Genesis and as a solo performer has earned him worldwide recognition, remains one of the most influential figures in popular music. His comments about Swift reflect an appreciation for artistry across generations, highlighting how memorable performances and strong songwriting can create lasting respect between musicians. As both artists continue to leave their mark on music history, Collins’ praise serves as another reminder that genuine talent is often recognised by fellow performers. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/phil-collins-praises-taylor-swift-1236307708/

  • | |

    Sharjeel Memon slams PML-N over ‘fake mandat…

    ByJustpaste.in

    Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Tuesday launched a strong criticism of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), accusing the party of relying on what he described as a “fake mandate” while campaigning for the upcoming Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) elections. In a statement, Sharjeel Memon said the people of Azad Kashmir had rejected what he called “manufactured political representation” in the past and would make the same decision in the upcoming elections. He expressed confidence that voters would once again support democratic values and reject politics based on disputed electoral mandates. The senior minister alleged that the PML-N had come to power through a questionable electoral process and was now attempting to present itself as a defender of the Kashmiri people. He said a party that, in his view, failed to respect the public’s vote could not claim to protect the democratic rights of others. Sharjeel Memon said the people of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir were fully aware of the country’s political history and would decide their future through the power of the ballot. He maintained that genuine public support could only be earned through transparent elections and good governance. Referring to the Pakistan Peoples Party’s (PPP) performance in Gilgit-Baltistan, he said the party had secured the confidence of voters through democratic means. He added that the people of Azad Kashmir would also reject what he described as the politics of a disputed mandate. The Sindh minister also criticised the Punjab government’s performance. He claimed that many residents of Punjab continued to travel to Karachi for advanced medical treatment and better healthcare facilities. He urged the PML-N leadership to focus on addressing public issues instead of criticising political opponents during election campaigns. Sharjeel Memon said the PPP remained committed to constitutional supremacy, democratic principles and respect for the people’s mandate. He added that the party believed in serving the public through practical governance rather than political slogans.

  • |

    Afghan fathers struggle as girls remain barred from secondary schools

    ByJustpaste.in

    KABUL: Afghan fathers are facing growing distress as their daughters remain unable to continue their education beyond primary school under restrictions imposed by the Taliban authorities. Families across Afghanistan say the education ban is creating deep emotional and financial pressure. Some fathers are openly questioning the policy, despite their religious beliefs and support for other government measures. The Taliban administration has defended the restrictions as temporary and based on its interpretation of religious principles. However, many Afghan men say they cannot understand why girls should be prevented from receiving secondary education. A United Nations survey conducted last year found that about nine out of 10 Afghan men considered it important for girls to attend secondary school. Nearly two-thirds also viewed supporting a daughter’s education as a religiously commendable act. Girls were barred from secondary schools after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. Women were later also prohibited from attending universities. The restrictions have affected a large number of young Afghan women and girls. For many families, the approaching end of primary education has become a source of fear. Fathers worry that their daughters will lose their chance to pursue higher education and build professional careers. One father, identified as Ahmad, said he had never imagined that his daughters could be forced to stop studying. His wife is a mathematics teacher who is also unable to continue teaching secondary-level students. Ahmad said his eldest daughter is approaching the end of primary school. The family has considered private and underground educational options, but the cost is difficult to manage. Another father, a doctor identified as Mohammad, said he had always wanted his daughters to attend leading universities. He believes women are essential to Afghanistan’s development and should have opportunities beyond household responsibilities. His daughters are approaching the age when they will be forced to leave formal schooling. The family has considered sending them abroad, including to Pakistan, but changing regional circumstances have made that option difficult. Some families have turned to private schools that secretly provide general education alongside religious studies. These institutions often charge high fees and may not provide recognised graduation certificates. Parents also fear that authorities could take action against schools operating outside official restrictions. This leaves families caught between protecting their children and trying to continue their education. Another father from Kandahar said his young daughter has a strong interest in astronomy. She asks questions about the solar system, gravity and science. The girl reportedly asked her father how she could continue learning if she could not study beyond the sixth grade. Her question has become a painful reminder of the limited opportunities available to girls. Some families have moved to Kabul in search of better educational opportunities. Others are relying on online courses, home schooling and secret classes. The restrictions are also affecting children emotionally. Parents say many girls feel frustrated, isolated and uncertain about their future. One father said his teenage daughter often stays at home and becomes deeply upset when she thinks about her education. He said he sometimes leaves the room because he cannot control his emotions and ends up crying privately. Another family has created a home-schooling routine using old secondary-school textbooks. The parents try to maintain a school-like schedule so their daughters can continue learning. However, the parents say home education cannot fully replace a formal school environment. They worry about the lack of recognised qualifications, social interaction and access to trained teachers. Some girls have also begun attending secret classes. Their families remain concerned about possible consequences if the authorities discover them. The prolonged restrictions have created uncertainty for an entire generation of Afghan girls. Parents fear that years without formal education will limit their daughters’ future opportunities

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *