IN THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984

This application seeks a virtual flow-on of a 38-hour working week to employees covered by the Clothing Makers Award (the Award). Employees covered by the Federal counterpart award have enjoyed reduced working hours since 1 January 1984.

The vast majority of employees in the clothing making industry have their wages and conditions of employment regulated by an award of the Australian Conciliation and Arbitration Commission.

The agreement of the parties in this matter is reflected in Exhibit 0.1, where appropriate variations to the Award are detailed. Exhibit S.1 contains a list of headings under which cost offsets have been achieved.

The parties advised that the estimated cost of introducing a 38hour week is 5.5% of the total wages bill. Cost offsets are estimated to save 4.25% of the wages bill.

It was submitted that except for minor detail the agreed cost offsets and the variations to the Award are consistent with those endorsed by the Federal jurisdiction. It was also submitted that the agreement of the parties complied with the requirements of the Wage Fixing Principles and did not offend the public interest provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1984.

The agreed date of operation of the Award variations is the first pay period commencing on or after 20 July 1987.

In all the circumstances I endorse the agreement of the parties. An order reflecting that endorsement is attached.

J G King
COMMISSIONER