We deal with disputes between individuals and organisations that happen in the workplace. When people ask us to help with certain issues, we try to help the 2 sides reach an agreement. If they do not agree, we can decide the outcome.
In each of these examples, we have the authority to deal with a dispute. People who are eligible may be able to apply to us to resolve the issue. You should:
- check you are eligible before you apply
- check the timeline or deadline you must meet
- apply online or follow the instructions on how to ask us for help.
An employee loses their job
An employee may be fired, made redundant or feel they have to resign. If they think it was unfair, they may apply to us to resolve the issue.
Where to start: Different types of dismissal.
A manager behaves in a way that discriminates
An employer may treat some employees better than others. The law protects employees for many reasons, including age, religion or disability.
Where to start: Discrimination
A person is bullying another
An employee or an employer may experience bullying. Examples of bullying include aggressive behaviour and humiliating comments.
Where to start: Help for bullying at work
An employer says no to 'casual conversion'
An employee may want to change from casual employee to part-time or full-time. Disputes can happen when an employer says no to a conversion request or penalises the employee for asking.
Where to start: The right to change from casual to part-time or full-time
Parties disagree about making an enterprise agreement
When creating an agreement, the employer and employee representatives may not agree what to include.
Where to start: Make an enterprise agreement
People interpret an award in different ways
An award contains the wages and conditions for employees under the award. An employer and an employee may disagree if they interpret the terms in different ways.
Where to start: How to understand an award
An employer refuses a union's access to a workplace
A union or registered organisation may want to talk to employees in their place of work. The employer may refuse if they have no right of entry.
Where to start: When an official can enter a workplace