|
More support for workers in Aus AUSTRALIA'S federal workplace relations system covers an estimated 85 per cent of the workforce. Changes have been made to the system that provide improved protection and support for working Australians.The Workplace Authority-improved protection in the workplace The Workplace Authority has been established to provide help, information and advice to all employees and employers about the Australian workplace relations system. The Workplace Authority is also the key point of contact for assistance and information on workplace agreements. Know your agreement There are a variety of working arrangements available under the workplace relations system. These include:
Know your rights All full-time employees are protected by a key set of pay and conditions which cover:
Casual employees are guaranteed minimum wage rates, casual loadings and unpaid carer's leave. Employees cannot be sacked because of their race, gender, age, disability, religion, pregnancy, family responsibilities or trade union membership. Employees also have the right to join, or not join, a union. Employees must be issued pay slips and have accurate and complete time and wage records kept by their employer. The Fairness Test The Australian Government has introduced a Fairness Test for workplace agreements. Under this Test, the Workplace Authority checks agreements to make sure that employees receive fair compensation if they have agreed to change or remove protected award conditions. In most cases, fair compensation will mean a higher rate of pay. Protected award conditions include:
If an agreement is not amended, it will fail the Fairness Test and cease to operate. Back pay must then be paid to the employee. The Fairness Test applies to employees whose work is usually covered by awards. The Fairness Test is applied to Australian workplace agreements (for employees earning under $75 000 per annum) and all collective agreements if the employer has changed or removed protected award conditions. The Test applies to workplace agreements lodged on or after Monday May 7, 2007. Agreements made before this date will not change. Streamlined agreement making Making a workplace agreement is even easier with the Workplace Agreement Builder from the Workplace Authority. This online tool helps users create their own workplace agreements online. Employees or employers can choose from a range of employment options that suit them to create a draft workplace agreement. For young people there's an interactive online way to find out what you need to know in the workplace. What's the deal about workplace agreements? gives you the facts on the rights of young people when making workplace agreements. The Workplace Authority can provide free advice and assistance to young workers on matters such as:
The Workplace Authority has published a Workplace Relations Fact Sheet. The Fact Sheet provides simple, straightforward information about the workplace relations system, including details about the Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard and protected award conditions to inform employees and employers of their rights and obligations in the workplace. Every employer in the federal workplace relations system must provide a copy of the Fact Sheet to all their existing employees and any new employees must be given one within seven days of them starting work. Workplace Ombudsman The Workplace Ombudsman has been established to provide additional protection for employees and will take on a greater role in ensuring that employers comply with their legal obligations. The Ombudsman has the power to investigate and to take legal action on matters such as:
The Ombudsman pays special attention to ensuring that the workplace rights of young people are protected, understood and upheld by employers. What's the process? If you think your workplace rights and obligations aren't being upheld:
|
About Us | Our Publications | Shopping | Visa Enquiries | Information Days | Links | Advertising | Privacy Policy
© 2005 Consyl Publishing & Publicity Ltd.