Media Releases
New rights for employees
11/12/2008
People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds will now have access to important information about their rights, with new guidelines explaining the rights of Victorian parents and carers balancing work and family responsibilities.
The resources are available in Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese, Dari, Khmer, Macedonian, Somalian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
With the amendment to the Equal Opportunity Act that commenced on 1 September 2008, employers in Victoria must seriously consider a request for flexible work arrangements from an employee or job applicant with family responsibilities.
Victorian Equal Opportunity & Human Rights Commission Chief Executive Officer Dr Helen Szoke said the amendments to the Equal Opportunity Act would help strike a balance between business needs and family responsibilities.
“Employers are not compelled to agree to requests for changed work arrangements but they must reasonably consider them.”
Such requests could relate to hours of work, break times, rosters, overtime, scheduling of staff meetings, and leave arrangements.
“This is a significant development for employees balancing family or carer responsibilities with their work commitments,” said Dr Szoke, as the Commission released guidelines for employers and employees in community languages.
Employees who believe their employer has unreasonably refused to accommodate their family or carer responsibilities can lodge a complaint with the Commission.
To lodge a complaint or to seek advice, employees can call the Advice Line on 03 9281 7100. To speak with an interpreter, employees should call 03 9280 1995.
The Family Responsibility guidelines were developed by the Commission and Workforce Victoria in consultation with business groups such as the Australian Industry Group, the Victorian Employers Chamber of Commerce and Industry, employee peak bodies such as JobWatch, Workplace Rights Advocate and Victorian Trades Hall Council.
The guidelines have been translated by LOTE Marketing in consultation with representatives from the community.
