A lift company has been fined over $200,000 for unjustly firing two union delegates who raised safety and entitlement concerns. 

The Federal Circuit Court has determined that United Lifts deliberately targeted the delegates, disguising their dismissals as redundancies. The court ruling has sparked debates over proposed reforms to strengthen delegate rights and protections.

ETU NSW Secretary Allen Hicks is urging the government to resist opposition to the reforms, emphasising the need for broader safeguards. 

The court found that the dismissals were unjust and ordered compensation for the delegates. The case highlighted the necessity of better protecting delegates from employer mistreatment.

Judge Humphreys rejected the company's explanations, citing lack of evidence and suspicious circumstances. 

The delegates had made legally protected complaints, and their dismissals were deemed a consequence of their union involvement. 

The personal impact on the delegates was severe, with one forced to relocate and the other accepting lower-paid work.

The judgement coincided with a new industry agreement that grants additional benefits to union delegates and introduces mandatory consultation periods and majority approval for any delegate relocation. 

Employer groups voiced concerns about granting special treatment to union delegates, while Hicks argued for mandatory terms to recognize delegates' rights.

Hicks concluded that the case illustrated the need for better protection, condemning the employer's actions as disgraceful. 

The union continues to advocate for legislation that recognises and empowers union delegates. 

More details are accessible here.