‘Flexibility’ has always been an aspect of workplace law, and a key obligation on employers. It is both essential to anti discrimination law, as well as a key element of ‘a fair go all round’ – a fundamental tenet of Australian workplace law for half a century. The flexibility provisions in the National Employment Standards do little but to…
Category: News & Commentary
Labour Law and Consumer Choice
Reading this Daily Mail report of the September Slurpy day at 7-11, I have to confess surprise that there was not more fall out over the 7-11 slave labour story, which coincidentally aired on four corners less than a week ago. When something really pushes our buttons, it’s incredible what can be achieved by the…
NRL contracts – what are they really worth?
This NRL season has seen it’s normal amount of controversy over players’ contracts. Notably the the Daly Cherry Evans backflip, and Chris Sandow ‘s abrupt release from the Eels. But the Wests Tigers Robbie Farah news last week takes the cake as a clear indication that the a Contract of Employment in the NRL is worth less than…
Modern Leadership – where are we going, and who is taking us there?
It is irrefutable that the business community faces unique and difficult challenges, as globalisation and technological advancement continue to surge forward. The neo-liberal economic Well of everlasting growth and prosperity, dug by Thatcher and Reagan in the 80s, while perhaps not having run completely dry, is certainly showing itself to be not quite as ‘everlasting’…
Litigation – what are the real costs?
News that Joe Hockey was unsuccessful in his costs dispute with Fairfax was even more keenly reported than the defamation judgment itself. Some reports indicate that Hockey has spent close to $800,000 on legal fees, leaving him half a million out of pocket once he receives his damages, interest and the 15% or ordinary costs awarded….
FWC minimum wage increase – what does it really mean?
The announcement by the Fair Work Commission yesterday to increase the minimum wage was uncontroversial. The new rate of $17.29, will represent a $16 increase per week for full time employees. But what’s interesting about this is the way that it’s been described. This article suggesting that “Australia’s lowest paid workers” will have an…