Industrial Law

Business groups unhappy with Fair Work Australia’s decision

In a decision that has sparked an angry reaction from business bodies, Fair Work Australia has approved pay rises of between 19% and 41% for workers in the social, community and disability services industry (SACS), having previously found that gender played a role in the sector’s low pay rates compared with pay rates for state and local governments employees performing similar work.

Unfair dismissals only rise 2.6% in FWA

According to new figures the number of unfair dismissal applications made under Fair Work Australia has only increased by 2.6% during the second half of 2011.

Fair Work Australia grants 150,000 Community Sector workers pay rise: Landmark test case

Fair Work Australia has published its decision in what has become the Equal Remuneration Case [2012] FWAFB 1000 (Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union and others (C2010/3131); Australian Business Industrial (AM2011/50)

Westpac readies for job losses as industry cuts back

Westpac is expected to slash as many as 600 positions across its operations this year, adding to job losses for the industry.

A Westpac spokeswoman, while not confirming the 600 job-loss figure reported in today's Australian Financial Review, said the bank would be cutting staff levels this year to adjust to a slower growing economy.

Federal Court slams holiday resort for pressuring staff to become contractors

The Federal Court has ordered a Tasmanian resort owner to pay compensation to six casual staff who were dismissed after they refused to become independent contractors.

More education on wages for retailers called for

Australian retailers have criticised the findings of a new Fair Work Ombudsman report revealing 26% of 1,800 businesses surveyed were incorrectly paying their employees, saying the result implies SMEs are confused about current wage rates and industrial relations law.

Glen Stutsel v Linfox Australia Pty Ltd: Reinstatement of Employee Dismissed for Facebook Comments

A union delegate, Glen Stutsel has won an unfair dismissal case against transport company Linfox. Fair Work Australia ordered a quick reinstatement and compensation for lost wages in the case: Glen Stutsel v Linfox Australia Pty Ltd [2011] FWA 8444.

Fair Work review should focus on adverse action and unfair dismissal protections

The Fair Work review panel should investigate adverse action protections and the unfair dismissal claim process in order to shore up protections for small businesses, one expert has said as a Government-appointed group prepares to scrutinise industrial relations laws.

MWP v Nicholls; High Court finds Trial Judge did not Err

The High Court held in Michael Wilson & Partners Ltd v Roberts Colin Nicholls [2011] HCA 48 that a trial judge had not erred when he elected not to disqualify himself from hearing a proceeding in the Supreme Court of New South Wales and thus allowed the appeal.

Employers warned to be vigilant about Christmas party tweets and posts

Businesses must be vigilant in monitoring employee activity on social media during Christmas parties to avoid legal entanglements that could result in damages, lawsuits, and a negative perception with their brand, a legal expert has warned.