TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984
s.23 application for award or variation of award

Metals and Engineering Workers' Union
(T.3326 of 1991)

DRAUGHTING AND TECHNICAL OFFICERS AWARD

Minimum rates adjustment

REASONS FOR DECISION

In this matter the Metals and Engineering Workers' Union (MEWU) sought the variation of the Draughting and Technical Officers Award for the third instalment minimum rates adjustment (MRA).

Mr Baker for the MEWU submitted that the third instalment MRA should apply subsequent to the adjustment of wage rates and work-related allowances by 2.5 per cent (granted in T.3329 of 1991 operative from the first full pay period to commence on or after 3 September 1991) in accordance with the 13 August 1991 State Wage Case decision1. In that regard Exhibit B1 provided by Mr Baker sets out the correct approach for the application of the 2.5 per cent increase and the subsequent application of the MRA adjustment. The methodology is as follows:

(i) adjust the base rate by 2.5 per cent;

(ii) adjust the cumulative amount of the 1st and 2nd MRA adjustments by 2.5 per cent;

(iii) the total of (i) and (ii) above is the 2.5 per cent adjustment;

(iv) the existing cumulative amount of the 1st and 2nd MRA adjustment (unadjusted for 2.5 per cent) is divided by 2 and the result added to (ii) above.

Mr Clues appearing for the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries supported the third MRA adjustment and the methodology outlined above to take into account the 2.5 per cent increase.

In all of the circumstances the award will be varied in the manner requested operative from 11 October 1991. The order is attached.

R.K. Gozzi
COMMISSIONER

Appearances:
Mr P. Baker for the Metals and Engineering Workers' Union.
Mr S. Clues for the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries.

Date and Place of Hearing:
1991:
Hobart
September 3

1 T.3069 and T.3166 of 1991