The current ABS stats on Industrial Action released recently indicate a significant increase in the number of days lost due to the increase instances of Industrial Action.

Whilst stats are open to interpretation from both sides, employers and unions, lets focus more on why Industrial Action takes place.

The main causes can vary, but the biggest cause boils purely down to bad communication. First off lets be clear that the "union" is not the officials standing waving flags,…

Seems in a recent decision (Applicant vs Linfox Armaguard PTy Ltd) its ok in moderation. 

Whilst I don't agree that behaviour of the nature outlined in this dispute is acceptable at all, particularly when loaded firearms are present, it does spark the question of "When is what might be harmless bad language and mucking around step over the line into inappropriate behaviour?".

For me the answer is simple. It's not acceptable, and should not be condoned or ignored. In order to…

At some stage in your career you will be called upon to effect an Employment Separation. This is unavoidable, and anyone who says they never will is kidding themselves.

It is a somewhat traumatic event for an employee. In most cases they will not truly understand why they are being terminated. Others may see it as a relief. Some will see it as an opportunity to extort money from the employer. Others will view it as an opportunity to move on to bigger and better things.

All this…

As what can only be described as yet another blow to employers, the Federal Court has upheld the right for unions to take legal strike action before any bargaining has taken place. 

Three Federal court judges last week found that no union was obliged to show any employee support or meet any other test if employers refused to engage in bargaining.

Needless to say the Union movement has heralded the decision as a landmark victory for workers rights. Now whilst most IR…