Australia has a very good legal system when it comes to protecting the rights of employees.
Whether it be due to pay disputes, harassment, or other concerns, there are laws and policies in place that serve as your protection against these offenses.
Unfortunately, many employees are unsure of what steps to take if they are a victim of unlawful employment practices. As such, we are providing you with a brief overview of what to do if you feel that you employee rights are being violated.
Know Your Rights
In order to know if your rights are being violated, you have to know what legal rights you have in the first place.
This does not mean that you have to be a solicitor or that you need to memorize all the employment-related laws and regulations in the country.
Sometimes, a simple Google search will let you know if your experience is a violation of basic employment rights. You may also consult with law firms such as Stevens & Associatesthat provide free initial consultations should you feel that your rights as a worker are being violated.
More often that not, though, if something does not feel right, it often is. If you feel uncomfortable with anything related to your employment, do not hesitate to check if the action or situation caused by your employer or co-worker is legal or not.
Ensure Proper Documentation
Proper documentation can mean a lot of things. This can include witness testimonies, copies of emails of other documents, CCTV footage, and any other piece of evidence that can prove your case.
Make sure to gather as much evidence as you can and as soon as you can. You also have to ensure that it is refutable and gathered through legal means.
Witnesses are very important when it comes to the evidence-gathering process. Ensure that you can have someone that can back your claims and can help strengthen your case.
Where to Go If your Rights are Violated?
There are different agencies that will handle different types of employment-related cases in the country.
For example, the Fair Work Ombudsman, or the FWO, is the agency responsible for assisting employees regarding issues such as violations pertaining to workplace rights, entitlements, or unpaid wages.
On the other hand, you may report violations regarding unsafe working conditions to the Workplace Health and Safety Regulators. Other agencies where this is handled may also include WorkSafe Victoria or SafeWork NSW.
Other agencies include the Fair Work Commission for harassment or bullying complaints, the Australian Human Rights Commission for discrimination-related cases, as well as your local unions and other state and territory employment-regulating bodies.
Conclusion
If you are having your employee’s rights violated at work and are unsure of what to do, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance.
Law firms such as Stevens & Associates provide free initial consultations to help you assess your case and will provide you with sound legal advice.
As an employee, you have the right to be protected, and it is only fair that you are treated fairly as well as compensated if your rights as a worker are being violated. If such is the case, then do not be afraid to speak out and seek legal action.