Legislation on reduced overall working hours their workload has increased.

[SarahCL]

Hi,

Is there any sections in the legislation that the employees can complain in terms of employers reducing the number of working hours? This involves staff having their overall hours reduced while their workload has increased. Staff are also being asked to perform different duties to compensate for the reduced staff.

Thank you.

 

[Rod]

Some employees will take advantage of COVID-19, some employers will take advantage.

These are tough times allround and the new changes to the Fair Work Act gives some employers greater say in how they can adjust work hours and duties. This legislation is now in effect as of 9 April 2020 and will override awards and EAs.

Prior to this legislation passed last week, some employees could have claimed constructive dismissal if their hours were significantly reduced.

Prior to last week you would look at the relevant contract, award or enterprise agreement to work out what was allowed. Now, things have changed.