IN THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984

Applications T.1141 and T.1149 of 1988 were made by the Hospital Employees' Federation of Australia Tasmania No. 2 and 1 Branches respectively for a 4% second tier increase pursuant to the Restructuring and Efficiency Principle for all non nursing classifications contained in the Hospitals Award.

Application T.1484 of 1988 was lodged by the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries to vary all wage rates contained in the same award by 4%.

At the commencement of the hearing, Mr. Fitzgerald representing the TCI, requested that his application be adjourned sine die. This was granted.

I am now left to consider the two applications by the HEF Tasmania 2 and 1 Branches.

Mr. Imlach, representing the two branches, presented a list of agreed offsets and a draft order containing the desired award variations in exchange for a 4% increase in the wage rates falling within the scope of the applications.

The offsets can be summarised as follows:

1. The Hospitals Award be redrafted within 18 months so as to be more easily read and understood by all, including a separate award for nursing homes.

2. Extension of the spread of hours for day workers.

3. The removal of board and lodging provisions in the award with a proviso to protect current incumbents.

4. Increase in meal charges by doubling the existing rates.

5. An early start to a shift, up to a maximum of two hours prior, shall be treated as overtime (with a minimum payment of two hours at double time) rather than as a call back.

6. Provision for direct bank deposit of all wages.

7. Provision for multi-skilling after agreement between the union and the management.

8. Regularly rostered part-timers working equivalent to ten shifts in every fourteen days will not claim a 19-day working month as an award provision.

9. Working parties established on an ongoing basis, as required, committed to the objectives of removing inefficiency in work practices.

10. In addition to the above, the two branches of the REF have agreed that they will not seek an "Abandonment of Employment" clause in the award, nor will they seek to qualify the sick leave provisions of the award, similar to the one operating in State Government Hospitals.

It was Mr. Fitzgerald's submission that the offsets outlined were, in his opinion, sufficient to warrant a 47 increase in wage rates contained in the award for all non nursing classifications.

I have considered the submissions put to me on this matter and I am satisfied that the award should be varied in the manner sought, not only in respect to wage rates but the various conditions of employment outlined in the draft order tendered by Mr. Imlach.

There has been a genuine attempt by the parties to comply with the Wage Fixation Principles and, in particular, the Restructuring and Efficiency Principle.

Whilst no detailed costings were presented, I have gained the impression, from the explanation given on each of the offsets, that there could be some significant savings for the employer.

Operative Date:

The operative date of this decision shall be from 4 August 1988. Order

J.G. King
COMMISSIONER