In light of #MeToo many employers are examining their workplace relationship policies, and some are definitely more useful than others, a workplace lawyer says.
The steps employers take to prevent and respond to harassment in the workplace are fundamentally flawed, according to S-x Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins.
A stop-bullying application from an employee on parental leave has failed. Also in this article, a wrap of recent unfair dismissal rulings; employers recognised for high engagement with workplace giving; and more.
An employer discriminated against an employee in a sexual harassment investigation, by treating her less favourably than the co-worker accused of the conduct, a tribunal has ruled.
An employee dismissed by text message has been awarded maximum compensation. Also in this article, a worker has failed in his application for stop-bullying orders before he returns to work; employers criticise proposed religious freedom laws; and more.
A tribunal has sent a strong message about the way employers communicate allegations of s-xual harassment, in upholding compensation for a supervisor who was "shattered" by a complaint against him.
A large employer will back-pay workers more than $2.3 million plus make a "contrition payment" after failing to pay appropriate overtime. Also in this article, a project to increase 'bystander interventions' reports early success; more CEOs are being appointed externally; and more.
A Qantas employee has failed to argue that the Fair Work Commissioner hearing his claim was biased and should recuse himself because he held memberships to the employer's airport lounges.
An employee has failed to convince the Fair Work Commission that his supervisor, in calling and texting him on his day off about an upcoming meeting, was harassing him.
An employee who wrote "load of crap" on his performance review and told his superiors to "shut the f-ck up" in a meeting has been awarded compensation for a harsh dismissal.
All employers should consider putting in place a workplace s-xual harassment prevention plan, even though such plans are only expressly prescribed in one jurisdiction, according to a risk management expert.
Recent events have shone a spotlight on whistleblowing, placing employers firmly on notice that their response to a protected disclosure could be subject to intense scrutiny. Watch this webcast to understand the role HR plays in this challenging space.
