T1131

IN THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984


T.1131 of 1988	IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION BY THE FEDERATED MISCELLANEOUS WORKERS UNION OF AUSTRALIA TO VARY THE ICE CREAM MAKERS AWARD

	RE: WAGE RATES

COMMISSIONER JG KING	HOBART, 18 March 1988

REASONS FOR DECISION

APPEARANCES:

For the Federated Miscellaneous Workers Union of Australia Tasmanian Branch	- Mr L. Brown

For the Federated Clerks Union of Australia, Tasmanian Branch	- Mr K. Illingworth (3.3.88)

For the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries	- Mr W. Fitzgerald (15.2.88) and Mr M. Sertori (3.3.88)

DATE AND PLACE OF HEARING:

15 February 1988 Hobart 3 March 1988 Launceston

At the conclusion of proceedings on 3 March 1988, I announced my intention to increase wage rates contained in the Icecream Makers Award (the Award) by 4%.

This decision reduces to writing my reasons.

I was advised at the outset of proceedings that this Award has application to one employer only, Australian United Foods of 89 Talbot Road, Launceston.

Exhibit B1 details a Restructuring and Efficiency Agreement negotiated by the parties to the Award. Four items are detailed in the exhibit. It was submitted that they will result in savings or improved productivity, totalling substantially in excess of 4% of the current wages bill.

The changes are spelled out under the following headings:

(1) Afternoon Tea.
(2) Electronic Fund Transfer.
(3) Ordinary Working Hours.
(4) Office Cleaning and Housekeeping.

Major productivity improvements will be achieved under the headings (1) and (3).

It is proposed that the current practice of taking an afternoon tea break in the canteen will cease. Provision will still be made for tea or coffee to be consumed, however, it must be done without interruption to machines and the normal flow of work.

This change is estimated as capable of achieving an increase in productivity to the value of 6% of the current wages bill for production workers.

In the administration area, working hours for staff will be increased from 35 to 37 1/2, resulting in an increase in productive hours estimated as being worth 6.9% of the clerical wages bill.

As indicated on 3 March 1988, I am satisfied that the parties have complied with the requirements of the Wage Fixation Principles. I am also satisfied that the agreement does not offend public interest considerations, envisaged by the Industrial Relations Act 1984.

Exhibit B2 contains details of the new wage rates proposed by the parties. This exhibit is the basis of the attached order, which applies from the first pay period commencing on or after 3 March 1988.

JG King
COMMISSIONER

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