In an important decision on federal dismissal laws, a full bench of the AIRC has ruled that workers making unfair dismissal claims have the right to appeal when the Commission issues a certificate that there is no reasonable prospect of a successful arbitration.
Thousands of workers in NSW have won the right to payroll deduction of union dues, after the State IRC granted unions' application to include the provision in three major private sector awards.
A Federal Court full bench has upheld the dismissal of a Qantas baggage handler because of a disability, saying the termination was not discriminatory because he was employed as part of the airline's rehabilitation program at the time.
A senior member of the AIRC has accepted that union right of entry clauses pertain to the employment relationship and can be included in certified agreements, in the only direct consideration of the issue.
For our final story of the year, Workplace Express asked those involved in the major IR stories of 2002 to finish the phrase, "I'm dreaming of . . . . . . .". Here are their answers.
The Victorian MTFU has invited major manufacturing employers to a meeting on January 15 next year for the first round of negotiations over its Campaign 2003 claim, which includes an 18% pay rise over three years, a 36-hour week, and trust fund contributions of annual and long service leave.
NSW IRC says no jurisdictional barrier to bargaining fees in agreements; Abbott to boost sanctions for unions defying s127 orders; Safety net case begins March 31; Waterfront productivity falls; Ruling in marathon Gough & Gilmour case; GIO deal gets up; Unions seek email access to members at Channel 7; Discrimination victim up for costs; Ergon workers walk out over radiation; Federal Court full bench to rule in Cosma case; and ASIC issues guidelines on labour standards.
Boss bites worker at Christmas party; FSU says ANZ refusing to keep mother's job open; Discrimination agency to intervene in NSW hours case; Progress for women in the law; Compensation for constructive dismissal; and new books on works councils and HR jargon.
