Historically, sexual harassment has been viewed from the prism of being an issue of:

1. Criminal law (e.g., Sexual assault type cases)

2. Discrimination

On 26 March 2021, the Fair Work Act 2009 (FW Act) was amended to change workplace rights and obligations for casual employees. The changes were made by the Fair Work Amendment (Supporting Australia’s Jobs and Economic Recovery) Act 2021 (Amendment Act). These changes came into effect on 27 March 2021.

As it currently stands, employers cannot force their employees to be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

While the question of whether an employer can direct an employee to have the COVID-19 vaccine has not been answered by a court or tribunal, employers should consider these factors first before such a direction is given to employees.

Today the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission handed down its annual wage review decision.

The Fair Work Commission has handed down a decision that will allow most employees to cash out some of their annual leave entitlements. These changes to modern awards apply from the first pay period on or after 29 July 2016.

Each year the Fair Work Commission reviews minimum award pay rates for each classification in an award.  The new rates apply from 1 July 2016.

Yesterday the Fair Work Commission handed down its Annual Wage Review decision, accessible here. 

The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has, for the first time, commenced legal proceedings against an accounting firm alleging the firm was knowingly involved in underpaying its client’s workers.

Three Fair Work Commission General Manager reports were tabled in the House of Representatives this week. These reports presented research findings for the period May 2012–May 2015. Key findings of each report are as follows.