A Fair Work Commission full bench decision to vary three health sector modern awards to include paid pandemic leave "has come completely out of left field", says a workplace lawyer.
A senior manager's unfair dismissal claim can proceed after a COVID-19 salary reduction put her below the high-income threshold, the Fair Work Commission has ruled. Also in this article: amended JobKeeper directions prioritise full-time workers; in-house labour hire EAs blocked; and more.
The Fair Work Ombudsman will now approach compliance and enforcement with greater flexibility as a result of "dramatically changed economic conditions" caused by the coronavirus.
The Federal Government rightly prioritised speed over perfection in rolling out pandemic business supports, but design flaws could "bite" in the coming months if they don't get urgent attention, according to a new thinktank report.
The High Court has updated and publicised its s-xual harassment policies in the wake of findings against a former judge. Also in this article, Western Australia's new IR bill; an employee retrenched at the height of COVID-19 who saw her employer advertising jobs weeks later can claim unfair dismissal; and more.
The ABC is backpaying $12 million plus a $600k contrition payment after underpaying nearly 2,000 employees. Also in this article, ACCC allegations against a workplace advisor; minimum wages rise; and more.
With IR reform discussions now underway, a workplace lawyer has called for a "reawakening" of some older practices as an alternative to simplifying modern awards.
The industrial relations reform agenda outlined by the Federal Government "offers a lot of promise" if its unprecedented approach actually delivers outcomes, says a workplace lawyer.
An employer and individuals have been fined nearly $1m for underpaying workers; a bullied employee who was 'managed out' has been awarded $615k; Coles is facing a $150 million class action; and more.
