The Fair Work Workplace Relations System

The Fair Work legislation has introduced major changes to the workplace relations system, affecting bargaining, agreement making, termination of employment and union rights of entry.

On 1 January 2010, the new modern award system and the National Employment Standards commenced operation.

Members can stay on top of developments and access further information through:

• Fact Sheets (see section below);
• Member Advices (see section below);
• the News section;
• BizAssistBriefings;
• Guidance Manuals and Handbooks;
• Training and Events.

Members can also contact the BizAssist Infoline, on 1300 78 38 44, for assistance.

Ai Group has also produced two booklets to assist members:

• Fair Work Ready - your act and assist booklet:
  For an overview of the changes, and information about the action employers should consider taking, as well as what assistance Ai Group can provide. 
   
• The Fair Work Act - Bargaining Provisions: the First 100 Days:
  For an overview of the developing principles in the new bargaining system, as at October 2009.

 
Fact Sheets

Members have access to a series of Fact Sheets on Workplace Relations issues as part of the BizAssist Manual (Section 3 - Managing Your Employees).

Fact Sheets have now been updated to reflect the Fair Work legislation.

Topics include:

• The Fair Work Act (including the National Employment Standards, which commence on 1 January 2010);
• Minimum Conditions of Employment and Awards (including modern awards, which commence on 1 January 2010);
• Enterprise Bargaining (including the new good faith bargaining requirements);
• Employee Records;
• Unions (including rights of entry);
• Termination of Employment;
• Redundancy;
• Unfair dismissal and Unlawful Termination.

Members can also contact the BizAssist Infoline, on 1300 78 38 44, for assistance.


Submissions

Ai Group is actively representing members’ interests in the process of shaping the new workplace relations system.

Ai Group's submissions during the development of the Fair Work legislation, and submissions to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission as part of the award modernisation process, are available under Workplace Relations Submissions.