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Industrial Relations

Mapien Blog

Industrial Relations

October 10, 2024

Queensland’s Anti-Discrimination Act Overhaul: Key Changes and What They Mean for You

Queensland's Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 has been significantly amended with the changes set to take effect from 1 July 2025. These are the most substantial reforms to the legislation in over 30 years. Learn about the key changes and what this means for businesses in our latest blog.

September 4, 2024

Criminalising Intentional Wage Underpayments: What it means for businesses

Commencing January 1, 2025, Australian businesses will be subject to the further workplace changes as a result of The Closing Loopholes Act. These changes, aimed at protecting employee rights, will result in harsh new penalties, making it a criminal offence for employers who deliberately underpay their workers. It is crucial to understand the implications and ensure compliance to avoid severe penalties.

August 23, 2024

Closing Loopholes: Key changes effective 26 August 2024 & what they mean for you

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No.2) Act 2024 has introduced significant changes that are already in effect, with more to come on 26 August 2024. These amendments have substantial implications for businesses across various industries. It's crucial for employers to stay informed about these changes and understand how they may impact daily operations.

August 20, 2024

melissa-moulton

Key Updates to Casual Employment Rules

Starting from 26 August 2024 (or 26 February 2025 for small businesses), the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) will undergo significant updates regarding casual employment. These changes are part of the Federal Government's second phase of the Closing Loopholes reforms, which were officially enacted earlier this year. Learn more about the changes and ensure you're meeting your obligations.

August 16, 2024

alex-aspromourgos

The Pilbara IR Standoff: Unions, Miners, and the Impact of New Federal Laws

The Pilbara region of Western Australia, a powerhouse of the global iron ore industry, is currently embroiled in a significant industrial relations shift, with The Secure Jobs legislation introduced earlier this year significantly changing the dynamics of collective bargaining.

August 12, 2024

bridget-oconnor

The Countdown to Disconnect: Are You Ready for 26 August 2024?

From 26 August 2024, employees in businesses with 15 or more staff will gain the 'right to disconnect,' allowing them to step away from work-related communications outside their regular working hours. Learn what this means for employers and read our practical tips to help prepare effectively here.

Drawing the line between Employees and Independent Contractors

The recent introduction of the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No.2) Act 2024 has seen the implementation of various changes aimed at providing greater clarity with regard to Employees and Independent Contractors. Learn more about the changes that have already taken effect and others soon to be implemented here.

charles-lentini

New Delegates’ Rights and You’re Paying for it!

Recent changes to the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (‘FW Act’) and modern awards from 1 July 2024 have introduced significant rights for workplace delegates to represent members of their union.

Avoid Costly Penalties

A recent Federal Court decision, has highlighted the importance of timely payment of employee entitlements after termination, setting a crucial precedent for employers, emphasising that delays in payment can lead to significant penalties.

I want what she’s having!

I want what she’s having! The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act 2023 has brought about significant changes. Under the new legislation, employers and labour hire organisations are now required to pay employees equally for performing the same job.

FWC Annual Wage Review Decision 2023-2024

This morning the Fair Work Commission’s Expert Panel has awarded a 3.75% increase to the National Minimum Wage and the minimum wages in Modern Awards. Learn more about the key factors which guided this year’s Decision and who the increase applies to in our latest alert.

Teachers Not Employed at the time of the Approval of an Enterprise Agreement are entitled to Backpay

Discover the implications of a recent High Court decision on enterprise agreements, as it confirms the retrospective application of salary increases to employees not employed at the agreement's commencement. Explore the case of two teachers seeking back pay, the court's ruling, and the considerations for employers navigating similar agreements.

Are your shiftworkers entitled to 5 weeks annual leave?

Determining who qualifies as a “shiftworker” and is entitled to additional annual leave under the National Employment Standards (NES) can be a complex task, and the consequences of getting it wrong can be costly.

High Court Confirms Employers Must Request, Not Direct, Work On Public Holidays

As public holidays are approaching, employers also urged to review their employment practices, and policies to ensure compliance with the legislative requirements that employers must formally request employees to work on public holidays. Failure to comply with this requirement, may lead to legal consequences.