Australia: CFMEU v BHP Coal – High Court upholds employer's right to terminate employee for breaching its code of conduct

In brief – Employee’s sacking not related to industrial activity or union views
The High Court has held that an employee was dismissed not for a reason which is prohibited by the Fair Work Act, but for violating a workplace conduct policy to treat colleagues with courtesy and respect.
Union claims that employee dismissed for participating in industrial activity
The case Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union v BHP Coal Pty Ltd [2014] HCA 41 arose from […]

By | December 30th, 2014 ||

Australia: New WA Work Health & Safety Bill and OFSC dispenses with requirement for AS 4801 accreditation

Western Australian Government Releases Consultation Draft WHS Bill
The Western Australian (WA) Government has introduced its long awaited Work Health and Safety Bill 2014 (Bill) and is currently seeking public feedback on the draft legislation.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said that the Bill includes the core provisions of the model WHS Bill, but it has been refined to maintain the compliance burden at an acceptable level, “reduce red tape, and ensure it is in the […]

By | December 30th, 2014 ||

Family Friendly Policies: Is Europe Ahead Of The US?

Family friendly policies — is it true that they are rare in the US, but common in Europe?

Two more readers have different opinions:  one attorney touts the childcare services of one US company very highly, while a diversity specialist in the UK is less than enthusiastic about family friendly practices in Europe.

Curtiss Jameson, an attorney in the NYC area:

“I cannot comment directly on women not returning to employment after having a child, but I […]

By | December 29th, 2014 ||