TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

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

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited
(T.5097 of 1994)

FIBREGLASS AND PLASTICS AWARD

Award variation - traineeships - insertion of career start traineeship provisions

REASONS FOR DECISION

This was an application by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited (the Chamber) for amendments to be made to the Fibreglass and Plastics Award (the Award). The amendments sought related to the insertion of provisions covering employees undertaking Career Start Traineeships.

The proposed amendments included a definition worded as follows:

"Career Start Traineeship" means a system of training with an employer covered by Clause 2 - Scope of this Award comprising structured on-the-job training (as defined) and structured off-the-job training (as defined) in a Technical and Further Education College, or other training provider(s) approved by the Training Authority of Tasmania in accordance with a training agreement (as defined)".

The Chamber advised that the Career Start Traineeship system was similar and additional to the Australian Traineeship System (provisions for which were already in the Award), but was more flexible than the latter system. It was relevant to industry's needs and provided job opportunities for young workers.

The Chamber also confirmed that, apart from the removal of unnecessary duplication and consolidation, the proposed amendments had been accepted previously by the Commission for a number of other awards after some investigations and discussions.

The Chamber submitted that the amendments sought were not against the public interest nor were they contrary to the Commission's Wage Fixing Principles.

The Chamber requested that, if its application was successful, the proposed amendments be made to operate from 21 June 1994.

The Australian Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union - Tasmanian Branch supported the application and noted that the changed method of weekly wage calculation (onto an hourly base) did not reduce any wages nor have deleterious effects on the calculation of wages involved.

I accept the submissions of the parties and I am satisfied that the approval of the application will not breach the public interest requirements nor the Wage Fixing Principles of the Commission.

I approve the amendments sought and they will operate from 21 June 1994.

An order is attached.

P A Imlach
COMMISSIONER

Appearances:
M. Watson for the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited.
K. O'Brien for the Australian Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union, Tasmanian Branch.

Date and place of hearing:
1994.
Hobart:
June 21.