TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

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

Tasmanian Confederation of Industries
(T.3275 of 1991)

QUARRYMENS AWARD

Classification structure

REASONS FOR DECISION

This was an application made under Section 23 of the Act by the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries (the Confederation) for the implementation of a new classification structure in the Quarrymens Award (the Award).

The Confederation sought the implementation of the new structure in the Award in the terms of its detailed application. The proposed structure contained the following main elements:

• a new wage rates scale based upon 7 grades of "Quarry Workers";

• a trade qualified worker was classified as Grade 6 and that was given the 100% relativity level status;

• a new set of definitions applying to each grade of "Quarry Worker" which included duties, qualifications and other relevant details;

• a new "multi-skilling" clause enabling "Quarry Workers", after appropriate training, to perform all the duties in their grade and in lower grades;

• a translation schedule (to commence from the first full pay period to commence on or after 1 September 1991).

The Confederation also advised that, by agreement, the Minimum Rates Adjustment (MRA) process had been "short-cut" in accordance with the flexibility in that regard permitted by the August 1991 State Wage Case decision. Under this application the MRA process was completed.

The Confederation advised that there had been good cooperation between the parties in the SEP process in the Award and it was an ideal example of properly implemented SEP changes. The Confederation sought endorsement of the agreed proposals.

Finally the Confederation advised that the parties had agreed to an operative date of the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 September 1991.

The two unions represented at the hearing, the Australian Workers' Union, Tasmanian Branch and the Federation of Industrial, Manufacturing and Engineering Employees, Tasmania Branch confirmed the Confederation's submissions and advised their agreement to the application from the operative date mentioned.

As indicated at the hearing I am satisfied that the proposed classification structure, including the MRA, is in accordance with the requirements of the SEP and the Award will be amended as agreed operative from the first full pay period commencing on or after 1 September 1991.

Order No. 5 of 1991 (Consolidated) and Order No. 1 of 1992

P A Imlach
COMMISSIONER

Appearances:
T Abey for the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries.
D Hayes for The Australian Workers' Union, Tasmania Branch.
S Pavlic for the Federation of Industrial, Manufacturing and Engineering Employees, Tasmania Branch.

Date and place of hearing:
1991.
Hobart:
August 30.