Worker sacked after asking for pay rise wins $4,000 compo payout Legal Matthew Elmas 16 April 2019 A worker dismissed on the spot after a dispute over pay has won a compensation payout after a Fair Work Commission hearing.
“Domino effect”: Businesses warned about contractor arrangements in wake of unfair dismissal case Recruitment & Hiring Matthew Elmas 12 April 2019 A recent Fair Work Commission case serves as a timely reminder about the possible dangers of poorly defined independent contractor relationships.
‘Unsustainable’ $5 pizzas: Fair Work boss Sandra Parker chases higher penalties for dodgy retailers Industrial Relations Matthew Elmas 19 March 2019 The Fair Work Ombudsman is reviewing its use of enforcement tools in the wake of the banking royal commission as it chases higher penalties.
When banter goes bad: Judge criticises employer’s “minimalist approach” to workplace culture after harassment leads to double dismissal Legal Shane Koelmeyer 11 March 2019 The case highlights the complexities that can evolve in the relationships between co-workers and the impact that can have on workplace culture.
‘Widespread and entrenched’: Migrant worker exploitation could attract jail time People Matthew Elmas 7 March 2019 Criminal penalties for serious exploitation of migrant workers are on the way after the government accepted a recommendation to take action.
“Serious and sustained”: Fashion startup fined over $330,000 for unpaid intern Startup News Matthew Elmas 1 March 2019 Her Fashion Box and director Kath Purkis have been found to have underpaid three workers over $40,000 in a ruling about an unpaid intern.
Casual employment: All employers need to know about recent changes and possible claims Legal Athena Koelmeyer 26 February 2019 A must-read explainer for employers that explains the definitions, recent developments and key issues associated with casual employees.
Small businesses at risk of millions in backpay claims as casual double-dipping debate continues Legal Matthew Elmas 25 February 2019 Lobbyists say small business is threatened by casual double-dipping amid ongoing uncertainty over court action, who it effects and why.
Fair Work Commission gets $1.4 million to expand free legal advice service for unrepresented businesses Legal Matthew Elmas 12 February 2019 The government has committed an extra $1.4 million to provide unrepresented businesses with free legal advice about workplace issues.
Business owner fined and jailed for six months in unprecedented case after fatal forklift accident Workplace Health & Safety Shane Koelmeyer 11 February 2019 The owner of a scrap metal business was found guilty of breaching the Occupational Health and Safety Act after a worker was fatally crushed by a metal bin.
‘Loophole closed’: Business will have to prove it didn’t underpay workers in unprecedented case Legal Matthew Elmas 29 January 2019 The Fair Work Ombudsman will test new laws requiring businesses who don't keep proper records to prove they didn't underpay workers.
“Formula for failure”: Sweeping industrial relations reforms on the table for Labor Industrial Relations Matthew Elmas 13 December 2018 Labor's industrial relations spokesperson Brendan O'Connor says Labor will consider sweeping changes to Australia's employment landscape.
