A spouse or former spouse, de facto partner or former de facto partner, child, parent, grandparent, grandchild or sibling of an employee, or a child, parent, grandparent, grandchild or sibling of an employee’s spouse or de facto partner. It includes step-relations (eg. step-parents and step-children) as well as adoptive relations.

Severe weather condition that makes it unsafe or unreasonable for an employee to work. Other known term: severe weather.

A person who works for themselves and provides services to another person or business and isn’t employed by that person or business. Independent contractors usually negotiate their own fees and working arrangements and can work for more than one client at a time. Other known terms: subcontracting and contractor.

A written agreement used by an employer and employee to change the effect of certain clauses in their award or registered agreement – making alternative arrangements that better suit the needs of the employer and employee. Other known term: flexibility term.

Industrial action is taken when an employer or employee try to settle a workplace dispute. This may include not going to work and refusing to perform work.

When a business is running with more liability that exceeds their assets.

A method of on-the-job training with a company. The intern is not paid as long as the person isn’t actually in an employment relationship.

An order made by the Fair Work Commission to resolve bargaining disputes where there isn’t any reasonable prospect of agreement being reached if the Commission doesn’t act.