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The essentials of workplace relations explained

The essential features of workplace relations in Victoria were highlighted using a simple role play at the recent Latrobe City – Wellington Shire Streetlife Women in Business Network meeting.

By Latrobe City Council - 11th June 2003 - Back to News

Guest speakers, Naomi Blesser and Rebecca Cleeve, from the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, provided a detailed explanation of the 1996 Workplace Relations Act with an emphasis on agreement-making options and termination of employment.

Gail Robertson, Streetlife co-ordinator, explained that a principal focus of the Workplace Relations Act is to give primary responsibility for workplace relations to employers and employees at the workplace.

"One of the ways the Act does this is by encouraging agreement-making at the workplace or business level. From my contacts with women in business throughout the area, there are many questions being asked about workplace relations. This made the presentation from Ms Blesser and Ms Cleeve even more pertinent," Ms Robertson said.

Latrobe City’s Invest Latrobe Investment Manager, Leo Billington explained that the role play provided plenty of discussion about workplace relations between employers and employees.

"The scenario was simple but highlighted just how easy mistakes can be made. Two members of the network volunteered to act out a situation whereby an employee was dismissed because the employer was unhappy with her work performance. Network members were asked for their comments and opinions. Ms Blesser and Ms Cleeve provided the correct answers," Mr Billington said.

"The role play showed that dismissal needs to fair and reasonable. Dismissal is a last resort and should follow if previous warnings have been given, either verbally or in writing. Even though an employer might be very angry with an employee, that anger must be controlled while issuing a warning and this was the essential message of the role play," Mr Billington explained.

The Latrobe City – Wellington Shire Streetlife Women in Business Network is one of only two similar networks in Victoria and draws members from women who either own or manage a business or those planning to establish businesses.

"The Streetlife program has been instrumental in making women in business more aware of business related issues. The network now has over 190 members, which is a remarkable achievement since its inception in September last year.

"The program has been funded, by the State government for a further 12 months to May 2004. This means more issues can be bought to the attention of women in business," Ms Robertson concluded.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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