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Tasmanian Industrial Commission

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T3088 - 9 August

 

TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984
s.29 application for hearing in respect of an industrial dispute

Tasmanian Electro Metallurgical Company Pty Ltd
(T.3088 of 1991)

and

Metals and Engineering Workers' Union

 

COMMISSIONER R.K. GOZZI

HOBART, 9 August 1991

Shutdown of No. 5 Furnace

REASONS FOR DECISION

As a consequence of my absence on a short period of leave this matter was initially heard by Deputy President Robinson who referred the file back to me on my return to work. As directed by the Deputy President the parties have informed the Commission of the progress made by them with regard to the development of training programs and matrices. In that regard written advice from Mr Jones on behalf of Temco and Mr Sulzberger, job representative for the Metals and Engineering Workers' Union at Temco, indicated that the training program and matrices have not been finalised. Both Mr Jones and Mr Sulzberger said that it is their intention to keep the Commission informed of development.

As the parties are aware the Commission has not been involved in any proceedings or conferences dealing with the issues of training, skills acquisition and qualifications required for progression through the career path. Suffice it to say the Commission is concerned to ensure that the negotiation processes continue with the objective of reaching an agreed position.

In my opinion structural efficiency measures at Temco should have at least reached the point where award variation could be facilitated. The fact that this has not been achieved appears to indicate a significant disparity in views as to the steps required to be taken by employees to access better paid jobs. I am also concerned that the Ferro Alloys Award does not reflect a number of negotiated pay arrangements and possibly changes to conditions. Whilst that is a matter for the parties I question, in the circumstances, the value of retaining the award in its current state of neglect.

Having regard to all of the circumstances I consider it not necessary to keep this matter alive. However should any party require the assistance of the Commission then an appropriately framed application should be made.

This file is now closed.

 

R.K. Gozzi
COMMISSIONER