Industrial Relations
SAMS wide range of professional Industrial Relations advice and support services, backed by our extensive IR experience in a range of industries, enables us to provide our clients with "Outside the Square Innovative Solutions" to their Industrial Relations issues; including:
Resolving Wage & Dismissal Claims or Industrial Disputes:
SAMS has an excellent record in resolving employees' Wage and Dismissal claims and in helping employers through Industrial Disputes. We provide a realistic assessment of your case and work to resolve matters quickly and without fuss. We recommend that you seek our advice before making decisions that may lead to such claims and disputes.
Wrongful Dismissal Claims:
If you have ever had experience of an unfair dismissal claim, you will know the disruption it causes, not to mention the financial cost. The federal and state dismissal laws are complex and employers should take care and seek advice BEFORE dismissing anyone. SAMS can advise you on how to minimize the risk of a Dismissal Claim and how to respond, including representing you in defending the claim.
Industrial Agreements with Employees:
Wages are a major business cost so you need to strike the balance between providing attractive wages and conditions for your employees and ensuring your business is competitive and viable. SAMS has a wealth of experience in helping our clients achieve this with employee Agreements at competitive rates.
Get the Best Wages and Productivity Outcomes through Agreements: The only alternative is to comply wholly with the Award, which can be very hard to do given that every company’s needs are different. Wages generally represent a very significant portion of any business’s costs and so it makes sense to ensure that you are getting the best wages outcomes and productivity for your business. One of the most effective ways to do this is to use Industrial Agreements that meet your specific business needs. This need not be a complex process and it will provide your business with wages certainty for the life of the Agreement. The correct legal procedures are followed before any Agreement can be approved. SAMS can help you in three ways:
- SAMS can advise you on developing your own Agreements;
- SAMS can develop Agreements for you; or
- SAMS can manage the whole process for you, including negotiating with employees or the union(s).
Understanding the IR Reforms and what they mean for your business:
The Australian IR system has become very complex since 2006, when workchoices was introduced by the Howad Governemnt. It has undergone further changes under the Rudd Labor Governemtn and this will cotinue for several years. It is Critical that employers understand their rights and obligations under both the federal and state systems. SAMS can help you achieve that.
Industrial Representation:
SAMS can represent your business in Industrial Relations matters, including with the authorities, in negotiations with unions and/or employees, in responding to Dismissal and Wage/Back-pay claims and in responding to Workers Compensation Claims.
Current Award Rates and Advice:
Interpretation of awards and complying with their provisions is a continual challenge for employers. Getting this wrong can be very costly for your business and failure to keep-up-to-date with wage rates can lead to costly back-pay claims. Employees are able to claim back-pay for up to 6 years from the date of their claim! Many Back-Pay Claims are invalid or incorrect and SAMS can help you resolve them and with advice on the wages you should be paying - to avoid further claims.
Check Your Exposure to Claims:
SAMS can perform a basic wage Award Compliance audit and give you an idea of any exposure and where your rates sit as compared with the relevant Award(s). Many Businesses are exposed because thier base rates of pay are wrong OR because they apply them or the Penalty Rates incorrectly.
Get it Right From The Time You Employ Someone:
The most effective process actually starts with employment. So setting up the employment relationship correctly will save many headaches later on. The IR system is complicated and the consequences of ignoring the rules or making a mistake can be quite serious. If you are hiring a new employee, considering terminating an employee or just have some general questions regarding the overall employment relationship call SAMS for advice.
If you have questions on any of the above or are in urgent need of advice please don’t hesitate to call SAMS on 08 8445 9777 or email us at sams@sams.net.au
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