TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

Industrial Relations Act 1984
s.55 application for filing an industrial agreement

The Australian Workers' Union, Tasmania Branch

and

Carrowdore Pty Ltd
trading as Houston's Farm
(T11068 of 2003)

HOUSTON'S FARM INDUSTRIAL AGREEMENT 2003

Industrial agreement - application approved - operative date ffpp 30 September 2003 for a period of 1 year - forwarded to A/Registrar for registration

REASONS FOR DECISION

[1] On 19 September 2003 The Australian Workers' Union, Tasmania Branch and Carrowdore Pty Ltd trading as Houston's Farm lodged with the Acting Registrar, pursuant to Section 55(2) of the Industrial Relations Act 1984, the Houston's Farm Industrial Agreement 2003.

[2] When this matter came on for hearing on 30 September 2003, Mr R Flanagan appeared for the union. Ms J Thomas, of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited, appeared for the employer.

[3] Ms Thomas explained that this Agreement replaces the 2002 Agreement approved by Watling C on 30 April 2002.1 A number of changes have been made including:

• Clarification of supervisory requirements
• Wage rates varied to include the safety net adjustment
• A new Higher Duties provision
• A new Recall provision
• Increased meal allowance
• Carer's leave
• A new Long Service Leave clause which provides for LSL to be taken in advance after 10 years' service. An exemption had been sought under the Long Service Leave Act.

[4] Mr Flanagan supported the submissions of Ms Thomas.

[5] I am satisfied the Agreement is consistent with both the Wage Fixing Principles and the public interest requirements of the Act.

[6] Pursuant to s.55[4] of the Act, the Agreement is approved operative from the beginning of the first pay period to commence on or after 30 September 2003 and shall remain in force for a period of one year.

[7] The file will now be referred to the Acting Registrar for registration in accordance with the requirements of Section 56(1) of the Act.

Tim Abey
COMMISSIONER

Appearances:
Mr R Flanagan for The Australian Workers' Union, Tasmania Branch
Ms J Thomas, of the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Limited, for Carrowdore Pty Ltd trading as Houston's Farm

Date and Place of Hearing:
2003
September 30
Hobart

1 T10105 of 2002