TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984
s.23 applications to vary an award

Federated Clerks Union of Australia, Tasmanian Branch
(T.2555 of 1990)

Australasian Society of Engineers,
Tasmanian Branch
(T.3139 of 1991)

OPTICAL INDUSTRIES AWARD

Wage Rates - State Wage Case November 1989 - Structural Efficiency Principle - Second Stage

REASONS FOR DECISION

These two applications which were joined at the outset were made by the Federated Clerks Union of Australia, Tasmanian Branch (the FCU) and the Australasian Society of Engineers, Tasmanian Branch under Section 23 of the Act for the second Structural Efficiency Principle (SEP) increase to be implemented in the Optical Industries Award (the Award)

At the hearing, the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries (the Confederation) spoke on behalf of all parties and, with the aid of an exhibit1, detailed all the items agreed between the parties to enable the SEP improvements and increase to be implemented in the Award.

The items included:

• Changes aimed at improving flexibility, including multi-skilling, enterprise agreements and training.

• For areas of retail service (a much expanded area in the industry) separate hours of work were agreed which were the same as those recently endorsed by this Commission for the Retail Trades Award. A reduction in penalty rates due for work done on some evenings: For Thursday and Friday to 25% and for Saturday to 75%. Details on how this item was to be implemented remained to be settled.

• A revised meal periods clause.

• A revised definition of a casual employee and a new definition of retail services.

• The introduction of a new and detailed adult apprentice clause.

• Wage increase of $12.50 per week and $15.00 per week, as appropriate together with

• A new classification structure with definitions both for optical industry and clerical workers covered by the Award.

The Confederation submitted that the changes proposed by the agreed package were within the SEP Guidelines and the Commission's endorsement was sought.

The FCU confirmed agreement to the proposals. It noted that certain other proposals in the retail area were yet to be settled and that divisors consistent with the introduction of the 38 hour week were also yet to be settled.

The ASE confirmed agreement to the proposals.

All parties agreed that the resultant amendments to the Award should operate from the first full pay period commencing on or after 3 July 1991.

As indicated at the close of the hearing, I endorse the agreement between the parties. I am satisfied that, in conformity with the current Wage Guidelines, the parties to the Award have cooperated positively in a fundamental review of the Award and are implementing measures to improve the efficiency of industry and provided workers with access to more varied, fulfilling and better paid jobs.

The Award will be amended as sought operative from the first full pay period commencing on or after 3 July 1991.

An order is attached.

P A Imlach
COMMISSIONER

Appearances:
H Dowd for the Federated Clerks Union of Australia, Tasmanian Branch.
S Pavlic for the Australasian Society of Engineers, Tasmanian Branch.
S Clues for the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries.

Date and place of hearing:
1991.
Hobart:
July 3

1 Exhibit C1