What is a claim under the Fair Work Act?

If you are employed in Australia’s workforce then you are entitled to the general workplace protections under the Fair Work Act 2009.

These rights include workplace rights, the right to engage in industrial activities, the right to not be unlawfully discriminated against and the right to be free from undue influence or pressure in negotiating individual arrangements. 

These rights can protect workers from adverse actions by employers (such as unfair dismissal and discrimination), coercion, misrepresentation, undue influence or pressure and sexual harassment.

If these rights are breached you may have grounds to establish a claim under the Fair Work Act 2009. In these cases, the Fair Work Ombudsman can review and investigate your claim. This can lead to the court-imposed penalties in response to any contraventions found.