T1880

IN THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984


T.1880 of 1989	IN THE MATTER OF AN APPLICATION BY THE SHOP DISTRIBUTIVE AND ALLIED EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION, TASMANIAN BRANCH TO VARY THE CHEM1STS AWARD RE: TRAINEESHIP PROVISIONS

DEPUTY PRESIDENT	HOBART, 3 May 1989

REASONS FOR DECISION

APPEARANCES:

For the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees' Assoc., Tasmanian Branch	- Mr P. Fenton

For the Federated Clerks Union of Australia, Tasmanian Branch	- Mr A. Grubb

For the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries	- Mr K. Brotherson with Mr R. Murray

For the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries	- Mr K. Brotherson

DATE AND PLACE OF HEARING:

14 April 1989 Hobart

This matter concerns an application to vary the Chemists Award so as to make provision for traineeships for the first time within this particular area.

The matter is principally one of consent and follows similar provisions now contained in the closely allied Retail Trades Award, amongst others.

The proposal provides that trainees shall be employed for a period of twelve months, subject to a satisfactory probation period of up to one month, and that where possible, traineeship positions should be additional to normal staff numbers. "Traineeship" is defined as meaning a system under the Australian Traineeship System comprising of structured on-the-job training with an employer, and off-the-job training in a Technical and Further Education College or other training approved by the Training Authority of Tasmania.

Other aspects of the proposed amendment include the fact that the overall training program will be monitored by officers of the Training Authority of Tasmania, together with provision for trainee rates of pay, preference in continuation of employment, and that trainees should be exempt from action in respect of industrial disputes.

Whilst the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries agreed to the proposal as a whole, Mr Brotherson reserved unto his organisation, the right to separately argue de novo item 29 A(g) (which deals with the working of overtime by trainees) should it be necessary in the future.

The object of the proposal in making it possible for willing parties to enter into a properly structured arrangement which will foster increased employment prospects through increased skilling is to be commended, and therefore receives my endorsement.

In my view the matter is consistent with public interest and meets all other relevant criteria which might need to be considered.

The award will therefore be varied in the manner sought.

Operative Date

The variation shall have effect as of 14 April 1989.

Order is attached.

A. Robinson
DEPUTY PRESIDENT

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