What are flexible work arrangements and can you request them?
If you’re an employee (other than a casual employee) who has worked with the same employer for at least 12 months, you can request flexible work arrangements. If you're a casual employee there are also entitlements (with criteria) to request flexibility.
NSW introduces changes to workers compensation laws amid COVID-19
Changes to NSW workers compensation laws. If a worker is in “prescribed employment” and contracts COVID-19 (and lodges a workers compensation claim), they now get immediate wage cover and medical expenses.
‘Casual’ mine worker successful in claim for paid leave entitlements
the Full Federal Court has found a worker (in WorkPac v Rossato) is entitled to paid annual leave entitlements, despite being employed on a casual basis and receiving the casual worker "pay loading".
What’s causing the surge of unfair dismissal claims?
In May 2020, Fair Work Commission President, Justice Iain Ross AO revealed that unfair dismissal claims have increased by 60% in April 2020 as compared to April 2019. In this article, we identify three potential factors contributing to the increased unfair dismissal claims.
Maritime Officer wins “reimbursement of revalidation expenses” originally rejected by employer
Another great win for Maritime Officers. This decision is a significant win for the Union and its members and provides clarity for members to access benefits of any additional obligations of the employer that may exist under the Agreement.
The Family Law Courts establish a new “COVID-19 list” to deal with urgent coronavirus impacted matters
The Family Law Courts have now implemented a COVID-19 list. The list is exclusively for urgent family law matters which have arisen as a direct result of the impact of the coronavirus.
What is a Peace and Good Behaviour Order (Qld)?
If you believe you are being harassed, and the offending conduct is causing you to fear for your safety, you may be able to make an application for a peace and good behaviour order (PGBO) against the person harassing you.
ETU members compensated to the tune of over $28,000 in enterprise agreement win
We recently represented the Electrical Trades Union in a dispute related to the interpretation of a clause in the Kentz Pty Ltd Ichthys Onshore Construction Greenfields Agreement. The clause related to the payment of licence allowances, in addition to the base hourly rate. The Federal Court found in favour of the ETU and its affected members.
Hall Payne secures win for maritime officers and marine engineers
Hall Payne secures a great win for members of the Australian Maritime Officers’ Union and the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers in a recent appeal to a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission related to rejection of the Enterprise Agreement.
Can my employer stand me down?
The current coronavirus pandemic, resulting in a significant loss of jobs and change to working conditions for many, has raised a number of questions related to employment law. In this article, we ask the question ‘Can my employer stand me down?’
The JobKeeper scheme: employee entitlements and employer responsibilities
Although the JobKeeper scheme has been widely heralded, there have also been a number of concerns raised; particularly in relation to potential unscrupulous behaviour by some employers.
Sacked for serious misconduct – summary dismissals
We've noticed a spike in employees being terminated ‘summarily’ or without notice, for alleged serious misconduct since the COVID-19 pandemic started. So, what is serious misconduct and why might there be a spike? What can you be instantly terminated for and can you challenge being sacked summarily?