IN THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984

In this matter it is agreed that employees covered by Division B of the Electrical Engineers Award (the Award) should receive a reduction in working hours from 40 to 38. The reduction is to apply from the first pay period commencing on or after 31 March 1988.

Division B of the Award has application to Electrical Engineers and Electricians, other than those employed by Electrical Contractors.

It was submitted by the parties, that their agreement was in accordance with the Wage Fixation Principles and did not offend the public interest provisions of the Industrial Relations Act 1984.

At the conclusion of proceedings on 23 February 1988, I indicated that I had been satisfied regarding these criteria and the Award would therefore be appropriately varied. This written decision confirms that announcement.

Detailed cost offsets and work practice changes, are itemised in Exhibit S.2. Similarly, Exhibit S.3 contains detailed costing of the various offsets agreed.

I will not detail the information contained in the exhibits in this decision. However, for the record, I indicate that the estimated value of the cost offsets, if achieved, will allow for the reduction in working hours to be at no cost to employers.

Exhibit S.1 is a consolidation of the Electrical Engineers Award including the necessary variations, resulting from the agreement in this matter. The exhibit will be the basis of an order which will be issued in due course. However, to prevent duplication, wage rates will be updated by the Commission's National Wage Decision of 15 February 1988.

J. G. King
COMMISSIONER