Victoria Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 s43-3: s 43(3) Start DWG negotiations within 14 days of an employee request

When an employee requests that the employer set up designated work groups (DWGs) at one or more workplaces, the employer must take every reasonable step so that negotiations with employees begin no later than 14 days after that request. The employer cannot simply wait for employees to drive the process: the obligation is to make the start happen within the 14-day window. Maximum penalty: 10 penalty units for an individual, 50 for a body corporate. The employer may also open negotiations on its own initiative (s 43(4)).