T2706 and T3785
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TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION Industrial Relations Act 1984 Health Services Union of Australia WELFARE AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AWARD
Structural Efficiency and first minimum rates adjustment REASONS FOR DECISION These two matters are applications which seek to vary the Welfare and Voluntary Agencies Award by consent in:-
Both of these items have been pursued in a manner consistent with current Wage Fixation principles of this Commission determined by successive Full Bench decisions, but more particularly decided on 13 February 19921. This particular award is established in respect of the following industries:
Funding of the various establishments within the scope of the award has been a major problem for many years and it is my observation that it has only been through the dedication and commitment of employees and volunteers that the vitally important services which are provided have been maintained at such a high order. No less compassion and understanding has been demonstrated by trade unions party to this award which have very responsibly delayed the delivery of minimum rates increases which have been available to the broader community of workers for a considerable period of time. Not only has the delivery of the first of such adjustments been delayed to this time, but in obvious recognition of the parlous budgetary situation of the welfare organizations concerned a longer phasing-in period has been agreed to by the parties to this award. And as a consequence the total application of minimum rates adjustments are to be phased in over five (5) six monthly intervals. I would hope that those charged with the responsibility of making decisions concerning the allocation of public funding to such institutions will take note of the selfless sacrifice which has already been made to this time by those who can least afford it, and who need encouragement and support through the provisions of adequate funding in the very near future. I turn now to the structural changes to the award made pursuant to the Structural Efficiency Principle. The changes involve a major revamp of actual award provisions and considerable work has been put into consolidating the award as a whole and making it more consistent and more readable. It needs to be emphasized that conditions of employment already contained in the award have not been altered in this exercise, save only for the correction of an obvious error pertaining to casual and part-time employment. A significant feature of the amendments put forward concerns a major reduction in the number of classifications which have been broad banded and based upon the Federal Metal Trades Award model, with proper relativities being established; with the Tradesperson classification being the key 100% bench mark figure. Clerical and administrative classifications follow rates of pay determined earlier by decision of the President in December 1991, relating to clerical and administrative employees in the private sector. The Federated Clerks Union of Australia, Tasmanian Branch, pointed out that because the full range of possible classifications have not been included to this stage they wish to reserve the right to address this question in the future. Whilst much has been achieved, as is reflected in the draft order submitted, the exercise as a whole is ongoing, and in particular various definitions still need to be addressed. However the parties are to be commended on the work they have done to this time and the fact that an agreement has been reached. I am satisfied that the amendments sought are sustainable on the basis of conformity with Wage Fixation Principles. Similarly I believe that the proposals are consistent with public interest. Accordingly the award will be amended as proposed by the parties. Operative Date: This variation shall have effect from the first full pay day to commence on or after 29 May 1992. Order [Correction Order] to follow.
A. Robinson Appearances: Date and place of hearing: 1 T No. 3584 of 1992 |