Files like this come to me regularly. There will be disputes and
appeals of all sorts. Some are obvious. Many can be messy and murky
and requires our officers to investigate. I will finally have to
make the decision on all of them.
This particular case I just signed off today was in favour of an
individual who was an ex-convict. It was an appeal from the Unions
and I am pleased to read of the indvidual's
work ethic and his contributions. Glad to support the appeal.
Many of these cases don't surface publicly (there is of course one
well known one that has surfaced in a dramatic way but best not to
comment!) but much work goes on behind the scenes to manage the
issues. It is a fascinating scene with many interesting
stories...quite dramatic (and nasty) too in some cases.
We have found for employees. We have also ruled for employers.
Sometimes, both are at fault as well. And we sometimes seek to find
a mediated outcome where all can be satisfied, especially when it
is not so clear cut. But our officers put up, quite
dispassionately, both sides of the story and these are often thick
submissions with details of emails, conversations, records of
interviews etc. Many man-hours go into these many cases.
I am grateful for the professionalism shown by my colleagues in
Labour Relations. It is not easy as those who are unhappy with the
outcome would sometimes take it out on them or take to other
platforms to protest, often omitting key details pertinent to their
cases.
I have to also say that the Unions have been very active in
championing and arguing the case for their members. I am impressed
by their efforts even if I don't always rule for them! Much depends
on the merits of the case too.
Just wanted to say thank you to my colleagues for working hard, for
doing the right thing and doing things right.