Hall Payne Lawyers assists unions, employers and employees with enterprise bargaining and award issues, protecting entitlements, ensuring compliance and resolving disputes.
Whether you are negotiating an enterprise agreement, interpreting an award, or addressing breaches, it is essential to understand your rights and obligations and the protections available under the Fair Work Act 2009 or other industrial laws.
Many employees in Australia are covered by an award or enterprise agreement. These industrial instruments work alongside your employment contract and for most employees in Australia, the National Employment Standards (NES), to set pay, leave, hours, and other workplace entitlements.
In addition, the NES provides entitlements such as flexible work arrangements, parental and annual leave, personal and carer’s leave, public holidays, superannuation, and minimum notice periods and redundancy pay in the event of termination.
When an employer fails to comply with an award, agreement, or the NES, employees may be entitled to recover unpaid wages and entitlements and seek penalties. Hall Payne Lawyers support employees and employers in understanding, negotiating, and applying awards, agreements and other instruments to protect rights and prevent costly disputes.
Your pay, leave, and workplace benefits are protected by law. Our employment lawyers help you claim what’s rightfully yours and resolve disputes effectively.
From pay rates to consultation obligations, enterprise agreements and awards affect your day-to-day work. This section answers key questions to help you understand your rights and protections.
Think of an enterprise agreement as a collective rulebook for your specific workplace or business. While an employment contract is between you and your employer, an enterprise agreement is a legally binding document negotiated between the employer and a group of employees, often in conjunction with unions. Not all employees are covered by an enterprise agreement.
An award is a legally binding document created by employment tribunals such as the Fair Work Commission that sets pay and conditions for employers and employees in some industries and occupations.
If an employer ignores the terms of an applicable award or enterprise agreement, such as failing to pay overtime or ignoring consultation requirements, they are in contravention of the Fair Work Act or the applicable legislation. You could be entitled to back pay, compensation, or penalties, and we can assist you to pursue these.
Not necessarily, but it’s important to act quickly. There are strict time limits for claiming unpaid entitlements. Whether the issue comes from a payroll mistake or a more complex workplace dispute, getting legal advice early is the best way to protect your financial rights before the opportunity passes.
Enterprise agreements often contain specific dispute resolution and performance management or disciplinary clauses that an employer must follow. If these steps are skipped, you may have a legal case such as unfair dismissal. Speak to our team to review the award or agreement to see if your employer has followed the correct process.
Even small errors in pay or classification can add up. Our employment lawyers review your contract and any applicable award or agreement and help you recover what you’re legally entitled to.
Unfair Dismissal
Hall Payne Lawyers challenge unjust terminations, meeting strict deadlines with expert representation.
Workplace Discrimination
We defend employees against bias, pursuing fair resolutions under workplace & anti-discrimination laws.
Professional Conduct & Discipline
Misconduct claims risk careers—our solicitors defend professionals in investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
Enterprise Bargaining & Award Rights
Hall Payne Lawyers guide agreements, awards & breaches, protecting entitlements, ensuring compliance & resolving disputes.
General Protection Claims
Employees are protected from adverse action over rights, union activity, complaints or family responsibilities.
Contract Negotiations & Disputes
Employment contracts set key terms. Our solicitors review & negotiate pay, bonuses & equity to protect your interests.
Industrial Relations
Hall Payne Lawyers champions workers & unions, from Fair Work disputes to High Court cases, protecting rights & fairness.
Executive & Senior Management Terminations
Senior executives face fewer protections. We manage exits, tackling wrongful termination, bonus disputes & entitlements.
Restraint of Trade
Restraint clauses must be reasonable. Our team defends against restrictions that unfairly limit earning capacity.
Redundancy
Redundancy must be genuine. We secure full pay & entitlements and challenge cases used to mask unfair dismissal.
Workplace Mediation Services
Accredited mediators provide impartial, legally informed conflict resolution, helping parties reach durable, cost‑saving agreements.
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