EMPLOYMENT LAW FOR EMPLOYEES
WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND ABOUT FAIR WORK AND MODERN AWARDS?
A body called Fair Work Australia determines wages. There is a Fair Work Ombudsman to handle complaints.
Since 2009, a simplified system of Modern Awards has replaced more than 4,000 previous awards.
What we can do for you
When you apply for a new job you may find the clauses about pay or conditions baffle you. For a small fee, the employment solicitors at John F. Morrissey and Company can help you read these clauses accurately and be aware of your rights. Contact us.
Modern awards can contain a number of terms. The ones you are likely to see are set out below.
- base rates of pay, including piecework rates
- types of employment (e.g. full-time, part-time, casual)
- overtime and penalty rates
- work arrangements (e.g. rosters, variations to working hours)
- annualised wage or salary arrangements
- allowances (e.g. travel allowances)
- leave, leave loading and taking leave (for more detail, see Leave and entitlements)
- superannuation
- procedures for consultation, representation and dispute settlement
- outworkers
- an industry-specific redundancy scheme
Modern awards must also include a procedure for settling disputes.
In addition, they must have a flexibility term, which means employers and employees are able to negotiate changes to meet their individual needs relating to issues specified in the flexibility term.
Here are some other pages you may find useful:
What should be in your employment contract?
Have you been the victim of bullying at work?
Are you sure of your leave and entitlements?
What is a grievance? Do you have a grievance at work?
What are performance reviews? How do they work?
Have you been the victim of harassment or discrimination?
Can you claim for unfair dismissal?
Can you claim for underpayment of wages?
If you've got another issue you want to ask us about, just list it in the email box or phone us on 9331 0266.
We'll follow the topic up and you'll get the benefit.
