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Industrial relations obligations

As an employer or self-employed person

You must:

meet minimum conditions of employment
provide a safe and healthy workplace
display a current copy of an award or agreement where employees can easily view it
keep time and wage records for all employees
give written statements of wages paid to all employees
keep records on each employee
not discriminate
let employees – and their unions – know of changes at the workplace that may significantly affect them

You can expect your employees to:

You are entitled to:

be paid the right wage for the job you do
freedom to belong to or be associated with a union
have an unfair contract of employment, not covered by an industrial award or workplace agreement, amended or invalidated.

Subject to some exclusions, especially for certain casual employees:

You are expected to:

arrive at work on time
dress suitably for the job (wear safety equipment if required)
work to the best of your ability throughout your work day
respect your employer, colleagues and customers
take care of your employer's property
follow your employer's 'reasonable and lawful' instructions (that is, instructions that are not illegal, don't threaten your health and safety and you are capable of doing)
obey safety rules
ask for help if you need it
know what the employer expects you to do if you can't be at work for any reason
not discriminate or harass others in the workplace
not act in a way that puts you – or others – at risk of injury in the workplace.

As a worker where electrical equipment is located, you must:

do what your employer tells you to do, to ensure the electrical safety of people and property around you
use appropriate personal protective equipment provided by your employer
use that personal protective equipment properly
not wilfully or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided for electrical safety at your workplace
not place others – or yourself – at electrical risk.

Last updated January 24, 2006

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