Our legal updates focus on important employment law and industrial relations issues.

Legal Updates

DETERMINING WHICH EMPLOYEES WILL BE COVERED BY AN ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT

Date: February 29, 2016
 The Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission (FWC) decision in Transport Workers’ Union of Australia & Anor v ALDI Foods Pty Limited as General Partner of ALDI Stores (A Limited Partnership) [2016] FWCFB 91 issued on 22 February 2016 provides clarification of which employees may be covered by a single enterprise agreement made under… > READ MORE

High Court confirms “sham contracting” laws apply to third parties

Date: January 30, 2016
 The recent High Court decision Fair Work Ombudsman v Quest South Perth Holdings Pty Ltd & Ors [2015] HCA 45 confirms that the “sham contracting” provisions contained in the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) apply to triangular contracting arrangements – i.e. an arrangement whereby a worker is engaged through an entity which is… > READ MORE

Termination of employment for safety breaches not unfair

Date: January 30, 2016
 The recent Fair Work Commission (FWC) decision of Rouady v Qantas Airways Limited [2016] FWC 33 emphasises the importance of conducting a thorough investigation and providing an employee the opportunity to respond to allegations even where an employer’s concerns relate to serious safety issues. Issues The employee’s role entailed refueling airplanes, driving tugs, moving machinery… > READ MORE