T2818
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TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION Industrial Relations Act 1984 Plumbers and Gasfitters Employees Union of Australia and Tasmanian Confederation of Industries
Wage Rates - First Minimum Rates Adjustment - Application Granted - Operative Date F.F.P.P. 1 November 1990 REASONS FOR DECISION This application was made by the Plumbers and Gasfitters Union of Australia, Tasmania Branch (the Union) to vary the Plumbers Award by placing the first of four Minimum Rates Adjustments in Division B of the award. Ms. M. Maloney for the Union presented an agreed exhibit (M1) (see attachment) showing the appropriate percentage relativities of the various classifications to that of the tradesperson, however, she reserved the right to further discuss with the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries and the Master Builders Association the classifications falling under the heading Plumber (other than construction) contained in Division B of the award, after the National Building Industry negotiations had be completed. Ms. Maloney also stated that whilst the Union had reached agreement with the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries and the Master Builders Association on the relativity for the classification of Foreman contained in Division B, subclause 2 (i.e. 22% higher than the base tradespersons rate) they may, at some stage in the future wish to advance the argument that the appropriate relativity should be 22% higher than the highest classification they are required to supervise and train. Given the foregoing reservations, nevertheless, the Union formally acknowledged that the application of the minimum rates adjustment increases would alter existing relativities between classifications and they gave an undertaking not to pursue any claim to re-establish existing relativities. They also agreed that increases in wage rates arising out of minimum rates adjustments could be absorbed against existing overaward payments and that no action will be taken by them to re-establish pre-existing level of over award payments. I am satisfied that the Minimum Rates Adjustment agreement presented by the parties complies with the Wage Fixing Principles and the Public Interest requirements of the Act. As a result I am going to grant the application in the manner sought by the parties including the operative date. The order giving effect to this decision will follow in due course and I take this opportunity to remind the parties that the second instalment of the minimum rates adjustment will not be automatic and will require a separate application.
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