When disputes arise in the workplace, there are two government-appointed institutions that your organisation needs to be aware of: the Fair Work Commission and the Fair Work Ombudsman. In most circumstances, claims will be brought by an employee against their employer, using established processes set by these two entities.

Fair Work Commission

The Fair Work Commission is predominantly responsible for:

• Setting minimum wages and employment conditions,
• Managing claims made by staff in relation to unfair and or unlawful termination of employment, and workplace bullying and harassment, and
• Endorsing (Registering) Enterprise Bargaining Agreements.

For more information about the Fair Work Commission.

 Fair Work Ombudsman

Fair Work Ombudsman predominantly provides information on workplace terms and conditions of employment, including rates of pay. It also:

• Facilitates dispute negotiations between employer and staff in relation to a range of issues, such as possible breaches of Awards, and
• Enforces certain orders made by the Fair Work Commission.

For more information about the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Strict time limits usually apply to all steps in claims, so employers should seek professional legal advice as soon as possible if they receive any claim from a staff member.

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