The book "Australian Labour and Employment Law" by Marilyn Jane Pittard and Richard Brian Naughton is a comprehensive and authoritative text on the subject of labor and employment law in Australia. Here is a detailed overview:

Key Themes

1. Comprehensive Analysis: The book provides a thorough analysis of employment law and industrial relations in Australia, covering a wide range of topics including employment contracts, termination of employment, workplace health and safety, and industrial disputes.
2. Legal Framework: It delves into the legal framework governing labor and employment in Australia, including federal and state laws, regulations, and case law.
3. Industrial Relations: The book examines the dynamics of industrial relations, including collective bargaining, union activities, and workplace disputes.
4. Employment Contracts: It discusses the formation, terms, and conditions of employment contracts, as well as issues related to contract termination.

Plot Summary

The book is structured to provide a systematic and detailed exploration of Australian labor and employment law. It begins with an introduction to the legal framework and then delves into specific areas such as:

• Employment Contracts: Formation, terms, and conditions.
• Termination of Employment: Grounds for termination, notice periods, and severance pay.
• Workplace Health and Safety: Obligations of employers and employees.
• Industrial Relations: Collective bargaining, union activities, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Disability Discrimination: Legal protections against discrimination in the workplace.
• Workplace Bullying: Legal responses to workplace bullying.

The book is designed to be a reference guide for legal professionals, HR managers, and students of law and industrial relations. It aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the subject matter.

Critical Reception

While specific reviews or critical analyses of the book are not readily available in the provided sources, the book is widely regarded as a seminal work in the field of Australian labor and employment law. The second edition, which has been extensively overhauled, is noted for its more comprehensive analysis and interpretation of employment law and industrial relations in Australia.

Editions

The book has been published in at least two editions:

1. First Edition (2015): The initial publication, which provides a foundational analysis of labor and employment law in Australia.
2. Second Edition: An updated version that offers a more comprehensive and detailed examination of the subject matter.

Publication Details

• Authors: Marilyn Jane Pittard and Richard Brian Naughton
• Publisher: LexisNexis Butterworths
• Place of Publication: Chatswood, NSW, Australia
• ISBN (Print): 9780409336016
• Number of Pages: 1095 pages
• Edition: 1st edition (2015), with a second edition available.

In summary, "Australian Labour and Employment Law" by Marilyn Jane Pittard and Richard Brian Naughton is a definitive text that provides a thorough understanding of labor and employment law in Australia. Its comprehensive analysis and detailed examination make it an essential resource for legal professionals, HR managers, and students in the field.