Dealing with disputes under dispute resolution procedures

We may be able to help you to resolve a workplace dispute about your:

• modern award
• enterprise agreement
• minimum standards order
• road transport contractual chain order
• collective agreement
• public sector determination OR
• written employment contract or other written agreement.

We can only help if the dispute resolution procedure in your document says we can. When you apply to us, you start a legal process. It is important you check and follow the procedure in your document before you apply.

Start by finding out which document covers you:

• If it’s a modern award and you already know the name, you can find it in our list of awards A to Z
• If you are not sure which award you can Find the right award on the Fair Work Ombudsman's website.
• If you’re covered by an enterprise agreement you can search for agreements on this website. You may need to know your employer’s legal name which can be different from the name they normally use.
• Most relevant documents will be available on your employer’s website or on our document search.

Every award, agreement or other document as listed above has a section that explains how to resolve problems. This is called the dispute resolution procedure. The process is not the same for all documents.

• Most of the time, you need to talk to the other side first and try to sort it out.
• Some documents say you can apply to us for help to resolve the dispute.

You can apply to us for help using the Form F10 if your document says you can. This includes casual workers who want to become permanent.

After you apply, we might:

• help you and the other side discuss the issues by holding a mediation or conciliation
• give advice or a recommendation
• make a decision (if both sides agree).

We must follow the rules in your document and can’t go against the law.