Dispute Resolution Stages

The dispute resolution stages in an Australian workplace form an escalation ladder, and most enterprise agreements and contracts require you to climb it in order.

• Direct discussion. The parties talk. Most disputes end here and most clauses require it be attempted.
• Supervisor or manager. Escalation to the next level up.
• Senior management or HR. A formal internal process, usually documented.
• External. The Fair Work Commission where a dispute resolution clause allows, or the relevant tribunal.

Two practical points. Skipping a stage can make an external application premature, and it will usually be sent back. And the earlier stages are where the working relationship survives, which matters a great deal if these people still have to sit in the same team the following Monday morning.

The Fair Work Ombudsman sets out how workplace disputes are handled. This is general information rather than legal advice.

See Sentrient’s conflict resolution course and workplace compliance system.