$25K compensation for “embarrassing” sex harassment dismissal of veteran worker
A baker with 23 years of “unblemished service” has been awarded the maximum compensation for his summary dismissal over a complaint of sexual harassment, with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) unable to be satisfied the misconduct occurred despite appreciating the employer “felt they had to react strongly to the very serious allegation”.
Continue reading “$25K compensation for “embarrassing” sex harassment dismissal of veteran worker”Lawful, reasonable roster changes did not force resignation: FWC
An early childhood educator has failed to convince the Fair Work Commission she was constructively dismissed when she resigned in the face of proposed changes to her hours which would have been “an inconvenience” to her, with Deputy President Bell instead finding she ceased work voluntarily in response to roster changes which were “well-founded and reasonable” and permitted by the prevailing enterprise agreement.
Continue reading “Lawful, reasonable roster changes did not force resignation: FWC”Casual unintentionally dismissed when removed from pool after six-week absence
A casual Direct Care Worker (DCW) has won the right to pursue her general protections dismissal claim, with the Fair Work Commission confirming her employment was terminated at the initiative of the employer when she was “dropped off the pool” after being absent for six weeks for a non-work-related back injury.
Continue reading “Casual unintentionally dismissed when removed from pool after six-week absence”Christmas shutdown basics for Employers
The rules for employees taking leave during a temporary closure for Christmas/New Year were standardised from May 2023 onwards. If your business is taking a break over Christmas, you can check-in on your obligations to your employees over the Festive Season with our updated post here.
More Changes to IR Laws Unveiled
On Monday 4 September 2023 the Albanese Labor Government introduced to Parliament the third tranche of reforms to workplace relations laws. Workplace Relations Minister, Tony Burke, said the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill was about “closing loopholes that undercut pay and conditions for workers.”
2023 Ekka (Show) Holidays for South-East Queensland
Looking for something a little more up to date? Try our news post of 2 July 2025.
Government puts casual conversion back on the agenda
In July, IR Minister, Tony Burke, announced plans to seek refinement of existing casual conversion provisions – introduced by the Morrison Government in 2021 – to make conversion to permanency even easier for eligible casuals who seek it, whilst also pursuing a “practical definition” of casual employment, wherein it will be necessary to ask, “what’s really going on”, in order to accurately define the employment relationship.
Continue reading “Government puts casual conversion back on the agenda”FWC denies extension for 14-year-old zombie deal
As D-day looms for zombie agreements (individual and collective workplace agreements made before 1 January 2010), several recent decisions of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) have reinforced the challenges facing employers who are hopeful of extending the life of these aging instruments beyond 6 December 2023.
Continue reading “FWC denies extension for 14-year-old zombie deal”FDV Leave request prompted Unfair Dismissal: FWC
A Pharmacy Assistant has been awarded thousands in compensation by the Fair Work Commission, after Deputy President Boyce determined her request to access several weeks of unpaid leave, “in the form of unpaid domestic violence and/or carer’s leave”, triggered the termination of her employment.
Continue reading “FDV Leave request prompted Unfair Dismissal: FWC”Casual employee dismissed, despite never working a shift
A casual retail employee has won the right to pursue her general protections dismissal claim despite never having the opportunity to perform any work, with the Fair Work Commission confirming that the role being withdrawn two days before her first rostered shift constituted a termination at the initiative of the employer.
Continue reading “Casual employee dismissed, despite never working a shift”OUR SERVICES
Representation
ES has represented thousands of employers in unfair dismissal cases and general protections disputes.
Find out moreEnterprise Bargaining
ES has been assisting employers with enterprise bargaining since enterprise bargaining was introduced.
Find out moreInvestigations
Investigating complaints of workplace bullying, sexual harassment and other grievances is often time consuming and difficult for organisations.
Find out moreTailored Contracts, Policies & Letters
ES works with employers to tailor contracts and policies to take account of their particular circumstances.
Find out more