01 April 2008
Key Points:
Saul Harben, the newest partner in our Workplace Relations team, has a long interest in industrial law.
"My family ran a business, and I studied industrial relations as part of my economics and law degrees, but it was really when I started working as a lawyer that I got the taste for it."
While workplace relations law is sometimes considered a contentious area, Saul looks for the practical solutions that everyone can live with.
"It's about finding an acceptable outcome for both our clients and their employees. We like to spend time with our clients learning about the challenges their businesses are facing and what sort of improvements they are looking for. If you fully understand the drivers in your client's business, then you are in a much better position to give practical and timely advice."
"That extends through to helping everyone in the organisation understand any new IR or employment arrangements that are implemented. I often help clients prepare communication plans to explain new terms and conditions to employees and managers alike, so everyone fully understands their position."
What about the wave of changes that's already started from the new Federal Government?
"Well, in Western Australia the changes, and the proposed changes, are already starting to affect our clients. But not all employers are affected in the same way. The changes mean different things for different clients depending on their IR arrangements and the culture and history of their workplaces No matter what business our clients are in, it's an exciting time to be in this area."
