The Workplace Authority has released the Fact Sheet which all employers who operate under the federal system must give to current employees today. The requirement for employers to provide this Fact Sheet has come about as a result of legislation passed 2 weeks ago to introduce the Fairness Test which all new workplace agreements lodged since 7 May 2007 must now pass.
From 20 July 2007, employers are required to provide a copy of the Fact Sheet to all new employees within seven days of starting work. Employers have until 20 October to provide a copy to current employees.
The Fact Sheet summarises significant changes to workplace relations law since March 2006 including the fairness test, the AFPCS, record-keeping obligations, unlawful dismissals, and freedom of association provisions.
Failure to provide the Fact Sheet may result in employers being fined $110 for each employee who does not receive the Fact Sheet by the relevant date.
The Government will also make available copies of the Fact Sheet in other languages, in the near future. In the meantime, employees can also have relevant portions translated for them by telephoning the Translation and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
