Workplace Relations

The MatthewsFolbigg Workplace Relations Group has established itself as a leading provider of services to a broad cross section of employers.

We provide a multidisciplinary, seamless and practical "at call" service from recognised workplace relations experts, focused on making advice and solutions to employment issues simple and practical. A part of this is a unique ‘Integrated Diagnostic Approach’ to meeting client needs.

Leading practitioners Fay Calderone and Stewart Gough are widely recognised as thought leaders, regularly speaking at major industry events, authoring articles in industry magazines and, in March 2009, released a leading Australia-wide employer survey on the National Employment Standards.

Our end-to-end solutions cover change management, workplace issues, industrial award advisory, OH&S, contracts, migration and litigation services.

We advise clients in a range of industries including manufacturers, retailers, airline, insurers, recruiters, professional services firms, disability service providers, educational institutions and local councils.

Fay Calderone is a Registered Migration Agent (0748014). Registered Migration Agents must act in accordance with the Migration Agents Registration Authority Code of Conduct (Code) in providing migration services to clients. Refer to www.mara.com.au/agents/code_of_conduct/ for a copy of the Code.

In-house training

Recent and upcoming changes to workplace legislation have caused considerable confusion and uncertainty for employers. Complying with these reforms is a challenge - employers need guidance on how to comply, what to comply with and what 'best practices' could be put in place to avoid issues and problems. We can assist you in understanding the new legislation and how it applies to your business.

Our Workplace Relations Group is at the forefront of providing advice to clients, hosting events and delivering in-house training on the latest reforms to workplace legislation and on workplace issues. We provide in-house training modules on the following topics:

OH&S
Discrimination, bullying and harassment for employees and managers
National Employment Standards
Modern Awards
Termination of Employment and New Unfair/Unlawful Dismissal Laws
Agreement Making and Union Rights
Employee Entitlements on Transfer of Business

To book in-house training contact Robyn Sheppard on (02) 9806 7473 or workplacetraining@matthewsfolbigg.com.au.

What our clients say about us

“I find the professionalism, quality of service and quick turnaround provided by Fay Calderone and MatthewsFolbigg Workplace Relations’ team to be second to none. We always receive practical advice delivered in a friendly and easy to comprehend manner”.

Karen Pickles, Human Resources Manager
Asia Pacific, Michael Page International

"Sandvik Australia's relationship with Matthews Folbigg is best described as a mature one. Our most recent dealings have been with the firm's Workplace Relations division. As is synonymous with Matthews Folbigg, the service provided has been prompt, sound and effective. The lawyers at Matthews Folbigg understand the difficulties employers face with the practical application of employment law in the workplace."

Maria Avery, Human Resources Operations Manager
Sandvik Australia Pty Ltd

Our services

The services we provide include:

Interpretive advice on legislation, industrial instruments and employee entitlements
Negotiation and preparation of enterprise agreements
Employment and independent contractor agreements
Confidentiality agreements and restraint covenants
Occupational health and safety (OH&S) documents and advice
Unfair dismissal/Dispute resolution
Restructures/Change management
Equal opportunity, discrimination, bullying and harassment
Employment policies
Training
Employer assisted migration

Further details on some services:

HR Systems & Advisory

Applications forms/recruitment proceedures
Contracts
Policies and procedures
Advice regarding practical application of legislation, industrial instruments
Assistance managing terminations and ensuring compliance with relevant laws
Advising on individual executive and other employment issues, including anticipating, avoiding and solving disputes which arise with individual employees

Commercial/Change Management

Management of employee matters arising out of transfer of business, including:
- sale and purchase of business transactions
- mergers and acquisitions
- insourcing and outsourcing of work
Assistance with business restructures and redundancies

OH&S

Preparation of OH&S manuals
Assistance with risk assessments and consultation arrangements
Assistance with investigations
Guidance in managing Workcover inspections and prosecutions

Discrimination

Ensuring effective policies and procedures are in place and offering training to help reduce issues and claims
Assisting in management of claims
Advising on investigations and, where necessary, appearing in proceedings before anti-discrimination tribunals

Migration

Workers’ rights checks
Employer Assisted Migration
Tailored Employment Contracts
Advice regarding obligations to sponsored employees during employment up to and including termination

Our Team