Workplace policy page 21 of 80

A leading gender and IR expert says Australian policymakers should "pay attention" to a UK parliamentary inquiry's recommendation that the Johnson Government make menopause a protected characteristic under anti-discrimination laws and that employers implement more menopause-friendly policies.

McDonald's told workers they could exchange rest breaks for a soft drink or going to the toilet, according to allegations set out in a new SDA "mega" case against the fast food giant that seeks $250 million in compensation from it and more than 300 franchisees.

The High Court has today refused special leave to hear the first appeal to reach its doors over government COVID-19 vaccination mandates.

A review conducted by former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick has found poor HR practices and people management have contributed to s-xual harassment and assault and bullying in NSW parliamentary workplaces and that cultural, policy and legislative barriers are preventing reporting of incidents.

A senior FWC member has found it understandable that a longstanding CFMMEU delegate believed BHP Coal was out to "get" him when it issued him a final warning for using the word "c--t".

The NSW IRC has found that frontline workers with PTSD should not be deemed permanently unfit for duty, or "consigned to the scrap heap".

The FWC has dismissed an anti-bullying claim because the worker delayed its resolution to prevent his sacking.

A government corporation's HR manager had "zero interest" in discussing workplace COVID-19 vaccination requirements with a worker who justifiably raised the matter under an agreement's dispute terms, the FWC has found.

A FWC presidential member has issued a 10-point rebuttal of COVID-19-related arguments put by a sacked unvaccinated worker, to help her to consider whether to proceed with positions likely to be "irrelevant" in her unfair dismissal claim and that have been "emphatically rejected in numerous cases" before the tribunal and courts.

The FWC has reinstated a senior Virgin flight attendant accused of tardiness, stealing snacks, sleeping and watching a movie while on duty, finding pandemic-driven loads on HR delayed the airline's investigation and contributed to procedural fairness deficiencies.