Rights and responsibilities in the workplace

Question 1

Stages of an employment contracts

Answer 1

1. Offer - companies send out ads, people are given interview opportunities
2. Acceptance - the person accepts the contract and chance to work there
3. Consideration - they discuss benefit

Question 2

3 types of contracts

Answer 2

Modern award, enterprise agreement, common law

Question 3

Features, advantages and disadvantages of a modern award

Answer 3

Contracts include information about wages and penalty rates, working hours and flexible work arrangements, and allowances for business expenses. Advantage is that it sets a minimum and creates a basis for an industry. Disadvantage is that it is inflexible and may not suit everyone’s needs

Question 4

Features, advantages and disadvantages of an enterprise agreement

Answer 4

Contract negotiated by a group of employees or a union. Broader information than a modern award, but can also act as an add-on agreement to an existing modern award. Must be approved by Fair Work Commission. Advantages: Consults employees and adapts to their needs, and likely improved pay and benefits. Disadvantages: May run the risk of cutting into the benefits modern awards already inherently have, and may steepen financial inequality among employees

Question 5

Features, advantages and disadvantages of a common law contract

Answer 5

Contracts are signed individually among employees, usually managerial employees – that is, higher-ups. Advantages: More reward and more flexible. Disadvantage: May provide less protection because contract is not predetermined necessarily