Meat Industry Award 2020 — FWC Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman

FWC · MA000059 · Clause 34

34. Dispute resolution

[Varied by PR763258, PR777289, PR778027]

34.1 Clause 34 sets out the procedures to be followed if a dispute arises about a matter under this award or in relation to the NES.

34.2 The parties to the dispute must first try to resolve the dispute at the workplace through discussion between the employee or employees concerned and the relevant supervisor.

34.3 If the dispute is not resolved through discussion as mentioned in clause 34.2, the parties to the dispute must then try to resolve it in a timely manner at the workplace through discussion between the employee or employees concerned and more senior levels of management, as appropriate.

34.4 If the dispute is unable to be resolved at the workplace and all appropriate steps have been taken under clauses 34.2 and 34.3, a party to the dispute may refer it to the Fair Work Commission.

34.5 The parties may agree on the process to be followed by the Fair Work Commission in dealing with the dispute, including mediation, conciliation and consent arbitration.

34.6 If the dispute remains unresolved, the Fair Work Commission may use any method of dispute resolution that it is permitted by the Act to use and that it considers appropriate for resolving the dispute.

34.7 A party to the dispute may appoint a person, organisation or association to support and/or represent them in any discussion or process under clause 34.

34.8 While procedures are being followed under clause 34 in relation to a dispute:

(a) work must continue in accordance with this award and the Act; and

(b) an employee must not unreasonably fail to comply with any direction given by the employer about performing work, whether at the same or another workplace, that is safe and appropriate for the employee to perform.

34.9 Clause 34.8 is subject to any applicable work health and safety legislation.

[Note 1 and Note 2 inserted by PR763258; deleted by PR778027 from 26Aug24]

[Note inserted by PR778027 from 26Aug24; varied by PR777289 from 27Aug24]

NOTE: In addition to clause 34, the Act contains dispute resolution procedures as follows:

For a dispute about rights under the Act to | Section

Request flexible working arrangements | 65B

Change casual employment status | 66M

Request an extension to unpaid parental leave | 76B

Exercise an employee’s right to disconnect | 333N

Part 8—Termination of Employment and Redundancy

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Official document

Meat Industry Award 2020 — FWC Award text hosted by the Fair Work Ombudsman ↗

Version

This Fair Work Commission consolidated modern award incorporates all amendments up to and including 1 July 2026 (PR799280, PR799339 and PR799495). ↗

Citation verified

26 Oct 2026

Operative note

This entry explains the current consolidated text. A consolidation or capture date does not establish when a term commenced; earlier accrued rights are preserved by clause 1.3.