Legal page 564 of 565

Opposition promises small business representation on FWC; and Chief Justice flags October hearing for High Court challenge.

Virgin flight attendant's reinstatement confirmed; Evidence from decision-maker not a requirement for valid reason; and All s387 factors relevant to whether dismissal fair.

The Federal Court has rejected a transport employer's bid to challenge a dispute settlement ruling by a Fair Work Commission full bench, holding that private arbitration was not just a "dry run" of a court case.

The BCA has called for an IR framework that provides for direct engagement between employers and employees, and a Productivity Commission inquiry into Australia's IR system.

BHP Billiton has warned the federal government that it would be making "an unreasonable and unnecessary incursion" into business decisions if it proceeds with its proposal to extend the right to request flexible working arrangements, while new requirements to consult over roster changes would hamper the "agility" required by employers to respond to changes in operational needs or customer demands.

The Federal Court has stayed a $300,000 Federal Magistrates Court penalties and backpay order against a call centre, while imposing a conditional security payment, acknowledging the employer's chances of a successful appeal are "not strong".

A prison officer has failed to win reinstatement after being summarily dismissed for impersonating a co-worker by sending an email from the colleague's account to his entire department, inviting other "homosexuals" to contact him.

The Fair Work Commission has said it will renew entry permits for six CFMEU construction and general division organisers who have all been involved in contraventions of industrial laws in the last five years, but has asked for declarations that they have not committed any further indiscretions since their applications were lodged.

The ALAEA says FWA has cleared the way for it to pursue its bid to change its rules to cover a new category of unlicensed aircraft maintenance engineers at Qantas, after a full bench today rejected an application for orders to stop it representing the workers.

Fair Work Building and Construction chief executive Leigh Johns has challenged those who say the inspectorate should have intervened in the Grocon Supreme Court proceedings to identify the powers it could have relied upon, while the main players are about to head back for more talks with FWA President, Justice Iain Ross.