The insights gained from the rapid shift to working from home during COVID-19 could lead to the adoption of a "genuine consultation" requirement under the Fair Work Act's "right to request" flexibility that might start "a conversation aimed at reaching a mutually suitable arrangement", according to a new paper by two leading IR academics.
The FWC has upheld a construction company's dismissal of a receptionist who juggled work with caring for a grandson with special needs, finding the small business was "exceptionally flexible and considerate" but the situation became untenable.
Coinciding with the launch of an FWC online hearings fact sheet, a commissioner has told an IR forum they will remain his default after COVID-19 restrictions ease, while other members have become "fervent converts".
The FWC has granted a contested AEC application to extend voting in a protection action ballot after pandemic-related postal delays held up workers' replies, but it has warned the agency to make more effort to comply with the tribunal's processes.
In a decision illustrating the delicate balancing act required of the FWC when considering axing old agreements, a recently-employed worker has succeeding in having a security company's 15-year-old deal scrapped over the loud objections of all but a few of his fellow employees.
Coles has failed to win more than $25,000 costs sought against an experienced Indian lawyer who unsuccessfully spent almost two years trying to challenge his sacking from one of its supermarkets while qualifying to practice in Australia.
The FWC has awarded compensation to a sacked childcare worker after noting the "disturbing" failure of a company's HR department to inform the chief executive of protections for employees forced to take time off due to illness or injury.
For the second time in a year, the FWC has assessed the suitability of a CPSU organiser to hold an entry permit after finding it lacked the power to simply replace her stolen one.
A criminal lawyer has succeeded in overturning findings that he unfairly sacked a solicitor and practice manager he accused of "insubordination" and "sabotage", a FWC bench ruling that a tribunal member was too dismissive of his explanation for missing a hearing.
