3 December 2009
Fair Work Information Statement to help create better Australian workplaces
Australian workers now have a new tool to help them better understand their workplace rights.
A Fair Work Information Statement (FWIS) has been released by the federal Fair Work Ombudsman.
Fair Work Ombudsman Nicholas Wilson says the statement aims to assist employees to understand their minimum entitlements and other workplace issues.
“From January 1 next year, employers must provide a copy of the FWIS to all new employees either before, or as soon as possible after, they start work,” he said.
“It is a two-page document which provides basic information for workers on matters that will affect their employment and points to where they can find out more.”
The Fair Work Act requires the Fair Work Ombudsman to publish a Fair Work Information Statement explaining key aspects of Australia’s national workplace relation system.
The Act provides a safety net of fair, relevant and enforceable minimum employment terms and conditions through the National Employment Standards (NES) that will come into effect on January 1, 2010.
The statement covers the following topics:
- Minimum entitlements under the NES
- Modern Awards
- Agreement-making
- Individual flexibility arrangements
- Freedom of association and protection from discrimination
- Termination of employment, including redundancy and other dismissals,
- Union right of entry into workplaces, and
- The role of the Fair Work Ombudsman and Fair Work Australia.
The Fair Work Information Statement can be downloaded from Fair Work Online at www.fairwork.gov.au
Mr Wilson says that with less than a month before important workplace relations changes take place, Fair Work Online has been updated to assist employers and employees alike with helpful information.
A new-look Fair Work Online Homepage links web users directly to information on four key areas – the Fair Work Information Statement, the National Employment Standards, Modern Awards and Flexible Working Arrangements.
The Fair Work Ombudsman is an independent, statutory agency responsible for educating employers and employees about workplace rights and obligations, ensuring compliance with workplace laws and where appropriate, commencing proceedings for contraventions.
Information is also available from the Fair Work Infoline on 13 13 94 from 8am to 6pm weekdays.
Media inquiries:
Craig Bildstien, Director Media & Stakeholder Relations,
0419 818 484
craig.bildstien@fwo.gov.au
Ryan Pedler, Media & Stakeholder Relations Senior Adviser
(03) 9954 2561, 0434 365 924
ryan.pedler@fwo.gov.au