Episode 55: Protecting Vulnerable Workers, Enterprise Associations, and Lawyers in IR

In episode 55 of the IR Simplified podcast, I talk about; the passing by the Senate of the Fair Work Amendment (Protecting Vulnerable Workers) Bill, and what it means for business; I also talk about enterprise associations; and that you don’t need to use a lawyer to go to the Fair Work Commission.

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Scott McIntyre, Social Media, and Company Policy

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Scott McIntyre source: twitter

Social media and company policy.

Two of the things that are often seen to be in conflict with each other, and have been the subject of an unknown number of discussions, and unfair dismissal complaints.

These have both come to national attention lately with the comments and subsequent termination of former SBS Football Reporter/Presenter, Scott McIntyre.

While I am not going to repost or repeat his tweet here, SBS found the numerous tweets to be inappropriate and in breach of both their Code of Conduct, and Social Media Policy.

What makes this example interesting is that every backyard lawyer is coming out of the woodwork saying SBS is silencing free speech. Actually, there are even lawyers and barristers saying the same thing.

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7 Common Myths About Industrial Relations

7 Common Myths About Industrial RelationsEvery industry and field has their fair share of myths and misconceptions, and industrial relations is no different . Some have a resemblance of truth, whilst others are propagated by those within to improve their perceived value to a prospective client.

In no particular order, here are seven of the most common myths surrounding industrial relations

Myth #1
You need to have a degree in Law or Human Resources to understand Industrial Relations
Whilst it may be beneficial to have studied a HR degree if you are working as a generalist that dabbles in IR. If Industrial Relations is going to be your focus, or you are wanting to understand it better for your own business, then a degree isn’t needed.

With the average HR or Law degree doing only a module/unit on Industrial Relations, you would be better off looking at the Fair Work Commission or Fair Work Ombudsman’s website for the answer to any questions that you may have.

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