Jonas Leisure
Jonas Software operates over 110 independently managed software brands around the world, providing them with the strategic guidance and financial security required to be leaders in their respective…
read moreA landmark case has seen the Fair Work Commission rule against an employee who opposed Village Roadshow Theme Parks forcing her to take leave.
In an indication that workers are not happy with how their employers are using the JobKeeper provisions of the Fair Work Act, the case resulted from the refusal by a Village Roadshow Theme Parks worker to take one day's annual leave every week while she is on the JobKeeper subsidy.
In the first case of its type, the Fair Work Commission, which has indicated that it will turn cases of this type around quickly, has this week ruled against the employee.
The case resulted from Village Roadshow Theme Parks (VRTP) requesting that the employee, who had been issued with a JobKeeper enabling direction not to attend work, to take annual leave during the stand down period until her annual leave balance was reduced to two weeks.
The employee refused the request by providing an “annual leave justification” relying upon holidays plans she had made (but had not yet been approved by VRTP) and some personal circumstances including a previously undisclosed medical condition.
VRTP did not accept the “annual leave justification” stating it did not meet its guidelines to unreasonably refuse its request to take leave.
The employee applied to the Commission to resolve the dispute and in particular sought confirmation that she was not being unreasonable in refusing to agree to the employer’s request.
Ultimately, the Commission found that the employee’s refusal of the request by VRTP to take one day’s annual leave per week was unreasonable and she ordered the employee to “not continue to refuse the request made by VRTP”.
Between 9th April and 7th May 2020, 212 JobKeeper disputes have been lodged with the Commission.
Of these roughly 60% have been withdrawn and roughly 75% raised jurisdictional issues such as whether a casual employee is an ‘eligible employee’, whether the ‘one in all in’” principle and nomination of employees for JobKeeper payments and whether a dismissed employee can seek re-engagement to become an eligible employee.
In addition, according to a webinar presented by Commission President, Iain Ross on 7th May 2020, unfair dismissal claims increased by 60% in April compared to April last year and general protection cases involving dismissal increased more than 20%.
Click here for more information on this case at Keypoint Law.
Image: DC Super Heroes at Warner Bros. Movie World, courtesy of VRTP. Image used for illustrative purposes only.
15th May 2020 - Industry considers economics of post-Coronavirus reopening with limited numbers
9th April 2020 - ATIC welcomes JobKeeper payment scheme
7th April 2020 - Fears tourism businesses may not be eligible for JobKeeper payments
6th April 2020 - Village Roadshow Theme Parks backs staff during lockdown
3rd April 2020 - Royal Life Saving welcomes JobKeeper payments as a ‘$700 million lifeline’ for aquatic facilities and swim schools
31st March 2020 - Australian Government launches $130 billion ‘JobKeeper’ wage subsidy
28th March 2020 - IAAPA reveals recommendations for closing and reopening theme parks impacted by COVID-19
24th March 2020 - Queensland Government says theme parks, indoor gyms, fitness centres and sports centres ‘must close’
23rd March 2020 - Gold Coast theme parks ‘temporarily close’ in reaction to Coronavirus crisis
21st March 2020 - One million jobs a day being lost due to Coronavirus pandemic
24th January 2020 - Private equity group BGH Capital submits rival bid for Village Roadshow
18th January 2020 - South east Queensland deluge closes Dreamworld, Movie World and Wet’n'Wild Gold Coast
13th January 2020 - Fair Work Ombudsman review leads Quayclean to adopt new business model
23rd December 2019 - Sea World hit with new protests over dolphin care
20th December 2019 - Private equity firm makes $750 million offer for Village Roadshow
1st November 2019 - Warner Bros. Movie World opens costume showcase to guests
15th October 2019 - Village Roadshow reveals profit turnaround in last financial year
11th September 2019 - Village Roadshow Theme Parks reveal schedule for opening of new Sea World attractions
23rd February 2017 - Fair Work Commission cuts Sunday and public holiday penalty rates
20th January 2014 - AALARA reminds industry employers of bullying provisions of the Fair Work Act
9th September 2011 - Amusement operator fined $30,000 following prosecution by Fair Work Ombudsman
1st October 2009 - Union looks for Dreamworld pay breakthrough
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.
Jonas Software operates over 110 independently managed software brands around the world, providing them with the strategic guidance and financial security required to be leaders in their respective…
read moreCommercial Aquatics Australia provides aquatic solutions nationwide and is one of the largest and most experienced companies specialising in the design, construction, renovation, service, maintenance…
read moreFluidra Commercial Australia develops innovative, highly technical and sustainable solutions designed to create unique aquatic facilities for the 'Commercial Pool' category. Public…
read moreAUSTRALIAN MADE. FIT FOR PURPOSE. Based on the Gold Coast, AlphaFit is a leading manufacturer and supplier of Australian gym equipment specifically for the commercial, strength and conditioning,…
read moreHidroplay welcomes you to the exciting world of children's Playscapes, waterslide's and Water Attractions. Appealing to families, Hidroplay increases patronage in your facility during those…
read moreThe world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…
read moreWith industry leading solutions in design and durability you can improve your facilities with our access control operations, payment systems and flexible personal locker storage solutions. Your…
read moreiDwala is the Community Sports Facility Specialist offering the highest quality designs and technical expertise to Councils, Schools and Sporting Clubs looking to create sporting…
read moreGet your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!