Understanding Workplace Rights

Course Overview

Further to the below update, the Fair Work Commission has ruled that family and domestic violence leave must be included in most industry or occupational modern awards from 1 August 2018 so the Understanding Workplace Rights module has been updated accordingly.

Course Update: The legislature has introduced the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Act 2017 which has amended the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act).

These amendments affect the Understanding Workplace Rights module as set out below:

• The Fair Work Commission’s powers have been extended;
• Enforcement of proper recordkeeping practices has become stricter;
• Unlawful actions are better defined;
• Penalties for breach of the Fair Work Act have increased;
• Introduction of franchisor and parent company liability. 

Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (FWA), employees have a number of rights related to their working hours, leave allowances and the termination of their employment. To meet these legislative provisions, organisations must have policies and procedures in place to ensure they do not breach these rights.

This course has therefore been developed to increase learners’ understanding of the rights of employees and how they are managed within the organisation. It also discusses other related issues such as performance management and disciplinary procedures.

Key Content

• Employees' rights under the FWA;
• The role of the Fair Work Commission;
• Maximum working hours;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Leave and public holidays;
• Notice of termination;
• Redundancy pay;
• The Fair Work Information Statement;
• Enterprise agreements;
• Performance management;
• Disciplinary action;
• Unfair dismissal;
• Dismissal and discrimination
• Records management.

Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this course, learners should be able to:

• Discuss the key features of the Fair Work Act and the organisation’s workplace rights framework;
• Discuss the role of the Fair Work Commission;
• Explain their responsibilities in relation to employee workplace rights;
• Discuss the key features of the employment agreement;
• Recognise what is considered discrimination;
• Discuss how to manage performance and apply disciplinary action;
• Recognise what is considered an unfair dismissal;
• State the requirements in relation to termination and redundancy.