Workplace rights

Fact sheets in this section outline the general conditions most workers are entitled to in Australia. Check the relevant award or agreement for specific conditions that may apply to your workplace. In this section: Employment entitlements during natural disasters or emergencies Entitlements during an emergency or natural disaster are covered by most awards or agreements. If there is no entitlement this fact sheet will help determine your options. View fact sheet online: Employment entitlements during natural disasters or emergencies Download fact sheet: Employment entitlements during natural disasters or emergencies (pdf 149KB) Enterprise bargaining The Fair Work Act 2009 establishes a clear set of rules and obligations for enterprise bargaining. These include rules about the bargaining process, the content of enterprise agreements and how an agreement is made and approved. View fact sheet online: Enterprise bargaining  Download fact sheet: Enterprise bargaining (pdf 192KB) Foreign workers - Know your workplace rights Foreign workers may include backpackers, seasonal workers or international students. Employers employing foreign workers must ensure they comply with Australian workplace and immigration laws. View fact sheet online: Foreign workers - Know you workplace rights  Download fact sheet: Foreign workers - Know you workplace rights (pdf 175KB) General workplace protections All people working in Australia under Australian workplace laws are entitled to general workplace protections. This fact sheet outlines what general protections include.  View fact sheet online: General workplace protections Download fact sheet: General workplace protections (pdf 145KB)  Independent contractors and employees This fact sheet helps you understand the various factors in employment arrangements that determine the difference an employee and an independent contractor. View fact sheet online: Independent contractors and employees Download fact sheet: Independent contractors and employees (pdf 144KB) Industrial action Industrial action can include strikes, work-bans and lock-outs. The Fair Work Act 2009 defines what constitutes industrial action and the type of action that can be taken. View fact sheet online: Industrial action Download fact sheet: Industrial action (pdf 193KB) International students - Study your workplace rights! This fact sheet will help you understand your basic workplace rights as an international student, where to obtain further information and how to seek assistance from the Fair Work Ombudsman. View fact sheet online: International students - Study your workplace rights! Download fact sheet: International students - Study your workplace rights! (pdf 174KB) Maritime industry In 2012 changes will take place that will affect maritime industry workplaces covered by the national workplace relations system. These changes include the introduction of National Employment Standards and the start of the Seagoing Industry Award 2010. View fact sheet online: The national workplace relations system and the maritime industry Download fact sheet: The national workplace relations system and the maritime industry (pdf 157KB) Unlawful workplace discrimination It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against an employee. The Fair Work Ombudsman can investigate allegations of unlawful discrimination and has the power to start litigation. View fact sheet online: Unlawful workplace discrimination Download fact sheet: Unlawful workplace discrimination (pdf 179KB)  457 Visa holders - Your rights at work Understand your legal rights when working in Australia on a 457 visa. View fact sheet online: 457 Visa holders - Your rights at work Download fact sheet: 457 Visa holders - Your rights at work (pdf 184KB)