An interesting development in the Fair Work Commission’s Stop Bullying Jurisdiction

Posted by | Articles, Discrimination & Bullying, Terminations, Unfair Dismissals & Adverse Action | No Comments

By Conor Fahey, Lawyer

In perhaps the most interesting development to date since the commencement of the Fair Work Commission’s (FWC) anti-bullying powers, Commissioner Hampton, the Panel Head of the FWC’s anti-bullying jurisdiction, has issued an interim order to restrain an employer from dismissing an employee for alleged misconduct until the tribunal determines the employee’s anti-bullying application.

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Lying and theft justifies termination of flight attendant

Posted by | Articles, Performance Management & Misconduct Investigations, Terminations, Unfair Dismissals & Adverse Action | No Comments

By MDC Legal

Qantas has succeeded in its appeal to undo the unfair dismissal finding for a flight attendant who stole alcohol and lied during the investigation. The FWC Full bench overturned the ruling of unfair dismissal in Qantas Airways Limited v David Dawson [2017] FWCFB 41, finding that Deputy President Lawrence had failed to take into account the Qantas employee’s dishonesty during the investigation into allegations of theft.

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The devil is in the detail: Devil Dog Pty Ltd v Cook [2017] WASC 27

Posted by | Articles, Restraints of Trade | No Comments

By Ruth Collins, Lawyer 

In the recent decision of Devil Dog Pty Ltd v Cook [2017] WASC 27, the Supreme Court of Western Australia granted an interim injunction to prevent a former employee from competing with his former employer’s business. The decision is a timely reminder on the importance of carefully drafting and considering restraint of trade clauses in commercial agreements.

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Lawyers discussing employment contracts

Restructuring Your Workplace? Why You’ll Need an Employment Lawyer

Posted by | Articles, Business Restructures & Redundancies | No Comments

By Mark Cox, Director and Joanna Knoth, Senior Associate

In order to survive, many businesses have to restructure their workplace. This often results in reducing surplus assets, addressing inefficiencies, and cutting or removing shifts. The redundancies that result from this process present a significant legal risk to employers.

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Employment lawyer with a briefcase

Choosing the Right Workplace Lawyer in WA

Posted by | Articles, Discrimination & Bullying, HR Advice & Support, Terminations, Unfair Dismissals & Adverse Action | No Comments

By Mark Cox, Director & Joanna Knoth, Senior Associate

Employment law covers a broad range of complex legal issues affected by layers of common law and statute across state and federal jurisdictions. These legal issues begin in business set up or acquisition stage, with transmission of business, recruitment of new employees, establishing suitable contracts, and complying with awards and National Employment Standards – establishing the employment relationship.

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Employer Hotel Fined For Caretaker Sexually Assaulting Young Employee

Posted by | Articles, Discrimination & Bullying, Performance Management & Misconduct Investigations | No Comments

By MDC Legal

A female hotel employee in Queensland has been awarded $313,000 in damages for sexual harassment and assault she was subjected to in her bed by the hotel caretaker. The case rings a warning to employers that they need to take reasonable steps to prevent employees engaging in or being exposed to such conduct.

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