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309 articles are classified in All Articles > 2020 coronavirus pandemic > Policy


FWC seeking parties' views on online hearings manual

The FWC is seeking feedback within four weeks on its draft online proceedings framework, which outlines how matters can be heard in person, partly online, or fully online, at the discretion of the member.

Sacking about choice, not employer jab "mandate": Tribunal

A FWC member has sought to emphasise that jabs are a matter of choice for employees, rather than a "mandate" imposed by employers, as a tide of COVID-19 vaccination-related unfair dismissal cases work their way through the tribunal.

"Predisposed view" did not scuttle consultation: FWC

A senior FWC member has thrown out a union challenge to a Commonwealth-owned business's COVID-19 vaccination mandate, while observing that having a "predisposed view" does not mean an employer has failed to genuinely consult about new policies.

Workers would cop lower pay rises for flexibility: Report

Many workers would forgo a pay rise of up to 10% to secure more say in where and when they work, according to a study that says the Fair Work Act is failing to keep up with flexible practices, while other research says WFH employees save an average of $10,000 a year.

Highway not my way for speeding Coke worker

The FWC has upheld the sacking of a multinational business's sales representative who ignored repeated warnings that she had crossed the chief executive's "line in the sand" over speeding in company cars.

FWC barred from hearing mask-averse worker's case: Bench

In a significant decision clarifying when the FWC can deal with unlawful dismissal matters, a four-member bench has upheld a finding that a bookstore worker alleging discrimination after being sacked for refusing to wear a mask needed to prosecute her case in court.

Flexibility bid driven by antipathy to virus jab: FWC

The FWC has observed that a Victorian worker's application to work full-time from home under flexible work arrangements was largely motivated by her opposition to COVID-19 vaccinations, in upholding her employer's refusal of her request.

Look beyond IR "insiders" for online's future: Commissioner

Long-time online hearings proponent Commissioner Leigh Johns says the FWC will survey self-represented applicants and respondents to obtain the views of "outsiders" on the way forward for digital proceedings, after "insiders" appeared to hanker for the "good old days".