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Union Management

IS YOUR BUSINESS BEING TARGETED BY A UNION?

There are many reasons why a business could be targeted by a union; some of these reasons are listed below:

 

•  Geographic location

•  Industry

•  Actual Employment / Working conditions

•  Employee grievance

 

Many unions target specific locations and or industries in order to gain momentum and respect from the workers of that industry or location.

 

Australian employment legislation allows and permits your employees the right to join a union and dictates the rules surrounding union right of entry.

 

Here at HR Experts we assume you prefer to run a union free business, let us advise you on your rights as a business!

UNIONS CAN TAKE ACTION AGAINST AN EMPLOYER THROUGH THE FAIR WORK COMMISSION. EMPLOYERS MUST BE CAREFUL OF THE FOLLOWING:

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Discrimination in any way against any employee for participating in union activities.

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Promising and granting benefits to employees to encourage them to abandon the union.

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Making threats based on employee support of the union, including threats of discharge, layoffs, plant closure or discontinuing current benefits.

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Interrogating your employees or prospective applicants concerning union-organising activities.

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Engaging in surveillance of employees to determine their views on the union.

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Surveying employees as to whether they favour or do not favour the union (except in special circumstances and in accordance with guided procedures to ensure avoidance of potential discrimination claims).

See common questions asked by many businesses below:

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What amount of entries is deemed unreasonable?

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When is 24 hours notice not required?

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The union is requesting business related documents. Do I have to  provide these?

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Are union officials able to approach staff during paid and or unpaid times?

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What is deemed a disruption to company operations?

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When is it deemed appropriate to refuse entry?

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How do I lodge a dispute?

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Can you provide examples (case law) of employer successful disputes?

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Are union officials legally able to hold barbeques and chat with staff outside our gates?

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What is the difference between a WHS permit and a FW permit?

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How do I manage union officials onsite?

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The union is distributing marketing pamphlets, is this legal and how can we manage this?

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Can a union official order a staff member to stop work?

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The union official is asking about specific employment and safety conditions, do I have to answer these questions?

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Some of my workers have voiced that they feel annoyed and harassed by the union, how do I manage this?

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The union is promising better rates of pay if workers join, is this legal?

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Can I offer my staff more money provided they agree to stay away from unions?

What impact will a strike have on your business?

CALL HR EXPERTS FOR A FREE CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION!