Category: Workplace Relations

3 June 2015: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

June 3, 2015

Bank manager dismissed for romantic conflict of interest A branch manager at Westpac was dismissed after he failed to disclose a relationship with an employee that created a conflict of interest. He applied to the Fair Work Commission for relief under unfair dismissal provisions, but was unsuccessful. It must be noted that the basis  for … More 3 June 2015: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

22 April 2015: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

April 22, 2015

In this edition: tribunal finds morning sickness can be a disability; David v Goliath: employee loses against IBM in court; and ‘conditions akin to slavery’ – employee awarded $186,039 from former employer. Tribunal finds morning sickness can be a disability The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (the VCAT) has recently decided that in some cases, … More 22 April 2015: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

17 March 2015: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

March 17, 2015

In this edition: a lesson on how to enforce a zero-tolerance drugs policy; International Women’s Day and your workplace; and risk assessments can ensure safety and protect your job. Failed drug test justified employer’s treatment of employee Mr Hayes (we’ve used pseudonyms) was employed at the Company, which operated a power station facility. Mr Hayes was involved … More 17 March 2015: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

23 January 2015: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

January 23, 2015

In this edition, three lessons: the anti-bullying jurisdiction of the FWC is here to stay, and sometimes it even works; employers should take care to state explicitly the consequences of breaching their policies; and a former employee gets a $50,000 damages order for breaching his employer’s IP rights. The anti-bullying jurisdiction is here to stay In … More 23 January 2015: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

16 December 2014: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

December 16, 2014

In this edition: 2014 in review; and five fast facts for festivities. 2014 in review 2014 has been a year of change. With the amendments to the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) taking effect at the start of the year, privacy has been on the minds of many. Our articles on the privacy procedures, practices and systems (Part … More 16 December 2014: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

26 November 2014: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

November 21, 2014

In this edition: sickies costing $33 billion a year; victim awarded $733,000 for ‘systematic’ sexual harassment; and WA seeks feedback on new mining safety laws. Sickies costing $33 billion a year A 2014 Absence Management & Wellbeing Survey by an absence management agency, Direct Health Solutions, has found that employees are taking nearly 10 sick days a … More 26 November 2014: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

3 November 2014: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

October 31, 2014

In this edition: 141 fraudulent expense charges don’t justify dismissal; WA WHS harmonisation getting (even) closer; and principal must pay $1 million damages to contractor’s employee. 141 fraudulent expense charges don’t justify dismissal In an unexpected decision from the Fair Work Commission, it recently held that an employee was unfairly dismissed from his employment – despite … More 3 November 2014: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

26 September 2014: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

September 23, 2014

In this edition, two important court decisions highlight the importance of clearly written employment agreements: in CBA v Barker, the High Court finds no duty of trust and confidence in employment contracts, and affirms when policies do and don’t become a part of the employment contract; and in Heugh v Central Petroleum Ltd, a CEO … More 26 September 2014: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-Go

1 September 2014: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-go

September 1, 2014

In this edition: Qantas grounded by poor policy management; Two cases illustrating the changing landscape of sexual harassment claims; and WA harmonisation of WHS laws is getting closer. Qantas brought down by poor policy management A recent case before the Fair Work Commission (Commission) provides yet another example of a company’s decision to dismiss an employee … More 1 September 2014: Workplace Relations Update for Executives On-the-go

20 August 2014: Workplace Relations Update for Executives on-the-go

August 20, 2014

In this edition the loss of a $33.5 million contract shows the importance of complying with privacy laws; two cases illustrating ways of managing moonlighting by employees; and creative donations in WHS Enforceable Undertakings. OPSM: breach of data leads to loss of major contract You might be forgiven for thinking that eyeware and eyecare services … More 20 August 2014: Workplace Relations Update for Executives on-the-go