We have spoken a few times this year in general terms about penalty rates, but I wanted to make some specific comments on the restaurant industry. I have advised many restaurants, and have concerns that their industry groups are focusing too much attention on political lobbying regarding Modern Award conditions and penalty rates. I believe the…
Following the leader, is a pinch of salt quite enough?
When it comes to business practices and innovation – the loudest opinions, not surprisingly, come from business innovators and successful entrepreneurs. The ability to think ‘outside the square’ is generally the thing that has made them successful. When they publicize their ideas, the business community are quick to promote them automatically as the new paradigm – what’s…
8. Consultation about major workplace change
[8—Consultation regarding major workplace change renamed and substituted by PR546288, 8—Consultation renamed and substituted by PR610167 ppc 01Nov18] 8.1 If an employer makes a definite decision to make major changes in production, program, organisation, structure or technology that are likely to have significant effects on employees, the employer must: (a) give notice of the changes to all employees who may…
Happy Easter – as the penalty rates debate boils over
The penalty rate argument has been steadily brewing since the Coalition took office 18 months ago, spurred on by the recent decision of Restaurant and Catering Association of Victoria [2014] FWCFB 1996 which I discussed in this post. It’s not surprising that the penalty rates argument would come up over the Easter Weekend where NSW…
Popularity and unfair termination of employment – are workplace rights really a democracy?
While I understand the iconic popularity of Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson, I was genuinely surprised to learn over the weekend that an online petition demanding his reinstatement had passed the 1,000,000 signature mark. This comes after an interesting month, in which Clarkson was suspended from his job with the BBC for a ‘fracas’ with…
Todd Carney and procedural fairness – a picture does not always say 1000 words….
I am completely unsurprised at news over the weekend that Todd Carney has been found to have been wrongly dismissed by Cronulla Sharks. At the time of his dismissal, I couldn’t help but notice the incredibly short time between his ‘bubbler’ incident going viral online, and the announcement of the termination of his contract. Anyone with knowledge…