Common issues in the workplace

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 changing employment status

An employee may want to change from casual employment to permanent part-time or full-time. Disputes can happen when an employer says no or penalises the employee for trying to change.

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