Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

Click on an offering mode for more details.

Unit Overview

Description

This unit is designed to equip the student with a foundation for understanding labour law. It explores individual and collective aspects of employment in Australia, particularly in Western Australia. It falls into four main parts: (1) an examination of the contract of employment and the individual employment relationship, focusing on the formation, operation and termination of contracts of service including, in particular, various common law duties of employers and employees; (2) the federal and state legal systems of industrial relations that provide for the regulation of conditions of work including a discussion of arbitrated awards and collectively negotiated agreements, and an examination of how these industrial instruments affect the contract of employment and the individual employment relationship; (3) an examination of how the law endeavours to deal with and regulate industrial conflict, with particular attention given to the existing rules concerning protected industrial action; and (4) an overview of the law of occupational health and safety, including the principal methods of compensating employees injured at work (especially workers' compensation).

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) distinguish between different forms of employment and the corresponding grounds for lawful and/or fair termination of employment; (2) apply the role of awards, collective agreements and individual agreements in regulating the employment conditions of employees; (3) analyse the remedies available to employees who believe that they have been unlawfully employed or terminated.; (4) evaluate the role and limits of lawful industrial action, including strikes and lockouts; and (5) demonstrate an understanding of the practical application of occupational health and safety legislation in the workplace.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) individual essay; (2) oral presentation; and (3) exam. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Cory Fogliani
Unit rules
Incompatibility
LAWS5555 Employee Relations Law
Contact hours
up to 3 hours seminar
Note
Bachelor of Laws students should take LAWS3360 Employment Law instead of this unit.
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Unit readings, including any essential textbooks, are listed in the unit outline for each unit, one week prior the commencement of study. The unit outline will be available via the LMS and the UWA Handbook one week prior the commencement of study. Reading lists and essential textbooks are subject to change each semester. Information on essential textbooks will also be made available on the Essential Textbooks. This website is updated regularly in the lead up to semester so content may change. It is recommended that students purchase essential textbooks for convenience due to the frequency with which they will be required during the unit. A limited number of textbooks will be made available from the Library in print and will also be made available online wherever possible. Essential textbooks can be purchased from the commercial vendors to secure the best deal. The Student Guild can provide assistance on where to purchase books if required. Books can be purchased second hand at the Guild Secondhand bookshop (second floor, Guild Village), which is located on campus.
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.