Published 9 July 2018 These changes are particularly relevant to Award covered employees, with approximately 2.3 million Australian employees, or 22.7% of all employees having their wages and other entitlements set by a modern award. 1. Increases to minimum wage on 1 July 2018 On 1 July 2018, the minimum wage in all modern awards…
Author: Brian Powles
Brian is an accredited specialist in employment and industrial relations law, who is partner of a successful boutique Sydney law firm. He also hosts the Working Knowledge podcast.
Notice of termination: Key considerations for employers when choosing, and using, periods of contractual notice
Published 15 June 2018 The Fair Work Act (2009) (Cth) stipulates the minimum period of notice parties to employment need to give each other when ending the relationship. However, a notice period greater than this minimum can be stipulated in the employment contract. Flexibility also exists for the employer in terms of determining what work,…
Refusal to Employ
Employers are required to walk a tight-rope every time they hire a new employee. The Fair Work Provisions that prohibit discrimination against prospective employees are broad. However, in reality, these situations are almost impossible to enforce. Discrimination is an essential aspect of the human condition. We ‘discriminate’ thousands of times a day. When we choose the…
Managing workplace relationships: What we can learn from Barnaby Joyce
Everyone’s favourite Kiwi/Australian politician Barnaby Joyce has been in the spotlight again recently due to his upcoming interview with his partner Vikki Campion on Channel Seven’s Sunday Night program. From an employment law perspective (we always see things from an employment law perspective), it has again brought to light the topic of workplace relationships. No…
Is the word “bullying” being overused in the workplace?
There is no doubt that workplace bullying can be a serious matter for employees and employers. It can lead to higher rates of depression and anxiety for employees as well as physical health problems such as cardiovascular disease, migraines and obesity. Bullying in the workplace also has detrimental effects for employers as it can lead…
Touchy co-worker dismissed for inappropriate touching in the workplace
Published 20 May 2018 What is considered inappropriate touching in the workplace and what kind of conduct can justify a dismissal is often a difficult road to navigate. In the recent case of George Talevsi v Chalmers Industries Pty Ltd, continuously touching the shoulders and hair of a co-worker was enough to justify dismissal. Further,…