Category: Industrial & Employment Law
Your employer instructs you to do something illegal. What are your rights as an employee?
It is imperative you understand your rights and obligations in relation to reasonable and lawful directions from your employer. We explore your rights if a direction requires you to break the law.
Demotion involving reduction in pay and no change in role constitutes dismissal
A recent case before the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has served to highlight the provisions around demotions and the circumstances in which they can constitute a dismissal.
Can my redundancy payment be reduced by my employer?
Employers are increasingly attempting to utilise a provision of the Fair Work Act to reduce an employee’s entitlement to their redundancy pay.
Unions are good for workers and good for society
We think it is integral that employment law victories are continually recognised and celebrated so that society continues to appreciate the key role unions have played in Australia’s history.
Returning to work after parental leave – your rights
No matter how much you love your job, going to back to work after parental leave can be a scary prospect. So, what are your rights when returning from leave?
Case review - when does unpaid work constitute employment?
A recent decision of the Fair Work Commission has again considered whether unpaid work constitutes employment.
What happens when conditions are imposed on a health practitioners’ registration?
Despite a health practitioner’s best efforts, sometimes conditions may still be imposed upon their registration by a Health Practitioner National Board via AHPRA or the Office of the Health Ombudsman in Queensland.
Long service leave win for stood down pilots at Cathay Pacific
Hall Payne Lawyers recently won a case for pilots at Cathay Pacific Airways, with the Fair Work Commission deeming it “fundamentally wrong” for Cathay Pacific to selectively apply the terms of the airline's enterprise agreement.
Union win for ETU members at Sydney Trains
The ETU NSW has had a substantial win for its members at Sydney Trains in relation to safety concerns with their 500 light vehicle fleet.
Major changes for casual employees in 2021
In March 2021, changes to the Fair Work Act came into effect which were the result of the federal government’s attempts at defining casual employment.
No jab, no work: Can my employer force me to have the COVID vaccine?
The Federal Government’s policy remains that vaccines should be voluntary and free. However, depending on the circumstances, your decision to remain unvaccinated may hold consequences for your employment.
Immediate action against health practitioners
For health practitioners, facing the prospect of having immediate action taken against their professional registration can be one of the most stressful times in a health practitioner’s professional career, and it can be difficult for health practitioners to determine who to turn to for assistance.