IN THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984

This was an application by the Federated Clerks Union of Australia, Tasmanian Branch (the FCU) for a number of amendments to the Public Vehicles Award (the Award) amongst which was the provision of an occupational superannuation clause which is the subject of this decision. The other two items in the application relating to the 4Z second tier increase and the 38 hour working week were previously dealt with by other members of the Commission.

Mrs H Dowd appeared for the FCU and outlined the long history behind this application which included a number of adjournments. She advised that agreement had been reached with the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries (the TCI) as to the terms of the intended occupational superannuation clause in the Award.

With the aid of two exhibits1 Mrs Dowd produced the agreed draft clause and outlined the details. She also advised that operative dates had been agreed. They were:

(a) The commencement of contributions - from the first full pay period commencing on or after 26 July 1990.

(b) Relevant authorisation and start-up dates for funds seeking exemption - 26 May 1990.

(c) Final date for lodgement of exemption applications - 26 August 1990.

Mr G Warn appeared for the Transport Workers' Union of Australia, Tasmanian Branch (the TWU). He did not oppose the FCU's application, but advised that the TWU was continuing negotiations with the TCI over its claim for occupational superannuation and was hopeful of an early settlement.

Mr W Fitzgerald, who appeared for the TCI, consented to the application and confirmed the agreement reached with the FCU covering clerks specified in clause 8 - Division C of the Award. He submitted that the draft amendments tabled in the exhibits met the current Wage Fixation Guidelines and were not against the public interest.

I note that the details and terminology used in the proposed award amendments in this matter are very much the same as other occupational superannuation provisions lately endorsed by this Commission: I accept the submissions of the parties in that the application is in accord with the current Wage Fixation Guidelines and I endorse the agreed amendments, operative from the first full pay period commencing on or after 26 July 1990.

An order is attached.

P A Imlach
COMMISSIONER

1 Exhibits D1 and D2