The laws that govern a union's right to enter a workplace have been around for years now, but many employers are still shocked and confused about what to do when a union official arrives at the door, according to employment lawyer Mark Branagan.
Workplace incidents that occurred before the new jurisdiction commenced can be considered as evidence in stop-bullying proceedings, the Fair Work Commission has ruled.
Mandatory drug and alcohol testing in construction and other dangerous industries is a "common sense" move that would make it easier for employers to meet their safety obligations, according to employment lawyer Tony Wood.
The Fair Work Commission has delivered an important decision on the rights of employers faced with uninformative medical certificates covering sick leave.
When can employers reject an application for voluntary redundancy? Can employers include 'organisational fit' in their redundancy selection criteria? And how can employers prove workplace conflict issues didn't influence their redundancy decisions?
A lot of recent litigation following redundancies has hinged on whether redeployment was a viable option, and HR professionals must consider a growing number of factors in deciding whether or not redeployment is a "reasonable" substitute, according to employment lawyer Murray Procter.
Employers that have permitted a culture of inappropriate emails and other poor behaviour can't simply pick and choose when they will discipline workers for misconduct, a Fair Work Commissioner has ruled.
Whether making one role redundant or hundreds, HR professionals have a crucial part to play in ensuring organisations meet their extensive legal obligations and avoid claims from current and ex-employees.
Watch this webcast to:
ensure redundancies are 'genuine' under the Fair Work Act;
understand employees' entitlements if positions are made redundant;
develop sound redundancy criteria that minimise legal risks;
fulfil consultation and redeployment obligations;
manage a safe internal 'paper trail' about decision-making;
handle interactions with unions; and
add real value to the C-suite by informing decision-makers about their obligations.
Businesses that use labour hire workers can reduce legal risks if they heed the lessons of a recent Fair Work Commission decision, which clarifies when a host will - and will not - be considered an employer, according to workplace lawyer Fiona Austin.
