The new workplace laws coming into effect next week will facilitate a "maturing" of collective bargaining in Australia and require employers to be much more sophisticated in their approach to negotiations, according to workplace lawyer Chris Gardner.
From 1 July union officials will have the power to enter premises on suspicion of a workplace breach regardless of whether or not the employees are union members or covered by a union-binding agreement, says Freehills partner Anthony Longland.
The Federal Government should consider legislative amendments to let employers temporarily reduce workers' base hourly rates so they can ride out the downturn, according to Hicksons Lawyers.
Proper investigation of workplace incidents and complaints can help protect employers against legal claims by employees, but many HR managers lack the skills to conduct them. Here, an employment lawyer and former police investigator explains how they're done.
HR managers must quickly determine what constitutes a "transfer of business" before the definition of transmission expands significantly next month, according to Deacons partner Sally Woodward.
A Federal Government review will examine why women continue to be under-represented at senior levels in the workplace and whether legislative changes are needed to further their progress.
The surest way to assert ownership over intellectual property (IP) and confidential information created by or disclosed to employees is to include relevant express terms in employment contracts, according to Allens Arthur Robinson partner, David Yates.
Proposed legislative changes to executive termination payments will scare off the "best and brightest" executive talent, according to McCullough Robertson senior associate Michael Moy.
Preparing for the new IR regime gives employers the perfect opportunity to review and improve their performance-management processes - ensuring sustainability and protecting them from litigation, according to an employment lawyer.
Employers are taking steps to have new enterprise agreements approved as soon as possible to avoid the uncertainty that is likely to surround the better off overall test, or BOOT, when it comes into effect in January next year.
When an employer receives a complaint or becomes aware of a conduct issue, it's not always appropriate to go down a traditional disciplinary path. This HR Daily Premium Q&A will discuss alternative options and how to determine which is best in various circumstances.
Recent constructive dismissal claims highlight the risks involved in accepting a resignation from an employee who is experiencing mental health issues. Watch this Q&A to understand the rulings' implications for all employers.
