T3639
TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION Industrial Relations Act 1984 The Amalgamated Footwear and Textile Workers' Union of Australia, BOOTMAKERS AWARD
Variation to Divisions A, B, C, F, G and H REASONS FOR DECISION In this matter The Amalgamated Footwear & Textile Workers' Union of Australia, Tasmanian Branch (the Union) sought the variation of Divisions A, B, C, F, G and H of the Bootmakers Award. The variations were to provide for:
In previous hearings1 in respect of this award I indicated my concern to the parties that the award was deficient with regard to some of the issues identified in the above items (i) to (iv). Whilst the award is still in need of further modernisation and rationalisation of award claims, it is pleasing to note that the parties have grasped the nettle to the extent that provisions included in the Federal Footwear Manufacturing and Component Industries Award, 1979, which has application to the majority of employees in this industry, have now found their way into this award. Minimum Rates Adjustment In my Reasons for Decision in matter T.3466 of 1991 relating to the 2.5 per cent August 1991 State Wage Case increase, I stated: " .. I am concerned that there has been such a delay in instigating the minimum rates adjustment in this award. I understand from the parties that this wi77 be attended to ..." Mr Holden for the Union and Mr Clues for the Tasmanian Confederation of Industries (TCI) informed the Commission in this matter that the minimum rates adjustment process was by consent based on the establishment of relativities to the Tradespersons rate of $417.20. I endorse the minimum rates adjustment on that premise. 38-Hour Week Taken as a package I am satisfied that the consent arrangements proposed by the parties minimise the cost of the reduction in working hours. The award will be varied accordingly. Trainee Classification I have decided to support this classification level and the definition for Trainee provided by the TCI. Operative Date The order will follow. Occupational Superannuation It should be noted that the clause title will be shown as Occupational Superannuation. For uniformity, the title applicable to Division D and E has also been altered to include the word "Occupational". The order is attached. The parties are aware of my concern regarding this award as expressed earlier in this decision and with regard to its general lack of clarity and the confusion in some provisions as they relate to the various divisions of the award. I recognise that the award has limited application, however I urge the parties, commensurate with the second minimum rates adjustment, to provide an appropriate draft order remedying the shortcomings inherent in the above comments.
R.K. Gozzi Appearances: Date and Place of Hearing: 1 T.3392 of 1991 - Structural Efficiency Principle - Second Stage |