The first steps are very important - be sure you have the facts right and talk to your employer - often this can resolve a problem or clear up a misunderstanding.

You should try in good faith to resolve any problems with your employer before seeking outside assistance. Even if you do have to pursue the problem further, discussing and clarifying the problem together first will save time in those processes. The following steps are a guide to resolving a problem:

Be clear about the facts
Make sure that what you think has happened or is happening is not just based on an assumption you have made or a misunderstanding.

Clarify whether you do have a problem, and if so, what your problem is
Discuss your problem with family or friends or advisers to clarify what the problem actually is. Don't delay this step.  You may need to find out what the law is and/or what your employment agreement says.

You can search the Department of Labour website for information on employment rights, entitlements and your responsibilities, as well as information on employment agreements and employment law, or you can contact us, your union, a lawyer, or a community law office or the Citizens Advice Bureau for information on your rights, responsibilities and options.

Talk to each other
You and your employer should try to resolve the problem by discussing it with each other. Both parties are responsible for this. If you are a union member, you can ask your union to approach your employer.

If you believe you have a personal grievance, you must raise it with your employer within 90 days of the action complained of, or the date you become aware of it, whichever is the later.

For more information on problem solving and next steps click here.