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Logistics company drivers are independent contractors, Federal Court finds
A judge has found four drivers working with transport company Avert Logistics are independent contractors despite the business supplying vehicles for them.
High Court deals crushing defeat to casual workers
The High Court has found casual employees who work regular shifts are not entitled to paid annual, personal and compassionate leave under the Fair Work Act, putting the fate of seven class actions by casual miners in question.
High Court to hear challenge to landmark ruling on casual workers’ rights
The High Court has granted special leave to labour hire company WorkPac to challenge a Full Court judgment that granted entitlements to casual workers with regular shifts.
CFMEU liable for officers’ refusal to produce permits, Full Court holds
The Full Federal Court has upheld a ruling that the CFMEU was "knowingly concerned" in the refusal of union officers to produce entry permits at a Queensland building site, with the appeals court saying it was"difficult" to understand how the union was not an accessory to the contraventions of its employees.
Workpac takes casual worker case to High Court
Labour hire company WorkPac has asked the High Court to weigh in on a decision that grants entitlements to casual workers with regular shifts, a ruling it says could have a "devastating impact" on companies if allowed to stand.
Casual workers win big in leave entitlements test case
In a major blow to Australian businesses, the Full Federal Court has ruled that casual employees who work regular shifts are entitled to paid annual, personal and compassionate leave under the Fair Work Act.
Early common fund order in stolen wages class action ‘greatly enhanced’ access to justice, judge says
A common fund order made at the outset of a class action against the state of Queensland over stolen wages opened the historic $190 million settlement up to "thousands more" disadvantaged people who were affected by the state government's "discriminatory, unjust...and disgraceful" policies, a judge has said.
Glencore unit does not owe injured workers unlimited personal leave, court says
A subsidiary of mining giant Glencore has defeated a case brought by the CFMEU claiming it was obligated to pay unlimited amounts of personal leave to sick or injured employees.
Common fund order in stolen wages class action survives High Court ruling
A common fund order granting the litigation funder behind the stolen wages class action 20 per cent of a $190 million settlement remains in force after a High Court judgment that did away with such orders, a judge has found.
Top 10 class action settlements of 2019
Companies and other defendants forked over big sums last year to settle more than 20 class actions, with a total of at least $734 million being paid out. Here are the top 10 class action settlements and the law firms and funders that negotiated them.