Violence against women is now recognised as a serious and widespread problem in Australia. Whilst awareness has increased of domestic violence as a community issue, there is still much to be done to support victims. 2017 saw an increase in support for a workplace response to family violence, through the inclusion of family and domestic…
Tag: Fair Work Commission
Dismissals ‘R’ Us: A New Trend in ‘shake down’ litigation putting commercial pressure on Employers
Following some emerging trends in representative conduct in the Unfair Dismissal jurisdiction in particular, the Fair Work Commission require broader powers to make costs orders, especially against lawyers and paid agents who bring, or continue, claims that lack merit. The Fair Work Commission’s power to make orders for costs under the Act are limited, primarily to situations in which…
Anti-social media: 4 ways to manage social media and cyber-bullying in the workplace
Whilst technology and social media have unquestionably provided many benefits to the modern workplace and opportunities for businesses to reach a wider audience, they have also presented dilemmas for HR managers and business owners when dealing with interactions between employees. With the increased use of the internet and social media, and the fact that almost…
What changes are coming on 1 July?
With the new financial year fast approaching, businesses and human resource managers must now turn their minds to workplace planning and employee entitlements, having regard to new changes that will come into effect on 1 July 2016. National minimum wage As is required every year, the Fair Work Commission has reviewed the national minimum wage…
Redundancy
A recent decision of the Fair Work Commission regarding redundancy entitlements could have some unfortunate consequences for employees and, in my opinion, in the long term for business and the economy. In Compass Group (Australia) Pty Ltd v National Union of Workers; United Firefighters’ Union of Australia [2015] FWCFB 8040 the Full Bench of the…
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…