TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

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

The AWU-FIME Amalgamated Union,
Tasmania Branch
(T.5178 of 1994)

ROADMAKERS AWARD

Award variation - structural efficiency principle - 2.5% increase to wage rates

REASONS FOR DECISION

In this matter the AWU-FIME Amalgamated Union, Tasmania Branch (AWU/FIME) made application for the variation of the Roadmakers Award. The variation was to give effect to the outcome of structural efficiency negotiations which had been in progress for a considerable period. Indeed earlier applications in this matter were closed given they were first made in 1992. The current application was encouraged by the Commission on the basis that a more appropriate proceedings framework could be put in place surrounding a more relevant and updated application. In the circumstances the parties refocussed their negotiations from October 1994 resulting in the presentation of a draft order which addressed conditions of employment matters only. The variations sought included:

• facilitative and enterprise flexibility provisions

• more flexible working hours

• banking of rostered days off

The parties requested the Commission designate leave reserved status to a number of provisions including Allowances (other than expense related allowances); Trade Union Training Leave; Traineeships (ATS) and Work Done Through Contractors. With regard to expense related allowances I was notified that the increases represented CPI adjustments and accordingly these were endorsed.

Given that wage relativities and definitions have still to be finalised by the parties when the decision in the AWU Maintenance and Construction Award 1989 is handed down by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission, I accepted that existing wage rates and definitions should be continued in the award for the time being.

Having regard to the submissions of the parties I am satisfied that the variations sought are in compliance with the Structural Efficiency Principle and the public interest provisions of the Act. Accordingly the award will be varied in the manner requested operative from the first full pay period to commence on or after 26 May 1995.

The order is attached.

R K GOZZI
COMMISSIONER

Appearances:
Mr G Cooper for The AWU-FIME Amalgamated Union, Tasmania Branch
Mr S Gates for the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited
Mr A Grubb for the Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union

Date and Place of Hearing:
1994.
Hobart:
October 11
November 9
1995.
February 21
April 4
May 12