TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION

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

United Firefighters Union of Tasmania
(T13022 of 2007)

TASMANIAN FIRE FIGHTING INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES AWARD

 
Award variation and conditions - work value review in accordance with Principle 9 of the Wage Fixing Principles - Principle 11 First Award and Extension of Existing Award - Community Fire Safety Officers - appeal - application referred back to Commission - order by consent - operative date ffpp 5 March 2009

REASONS FOR DECISION

[1] On 24 September 2007, an application was lodged by the United Firefighters Union of Tasmania (UFU), pursuant to Section 23 of the Industrial Relations Act 1984, to vary the Tasmanian Fire Fighting Industry Employees Award.

[2] This matter was originally the subject of extensive evidence and submissions during the second half of 2007.

[3] A decision was handed down on 11 June 2008 which granted new salary rates for Community Fire Safety Officers.

[4] The Minister administering the State Service Act 2000 lodged an appeal against this decision. On 7 April 2009 the Full Bench revoked the decision and referred the matter back to the Commission as presently constituted for further hearing or conference.

[5] As a consequence the matter progressed by way of conciliation conferences on 14 May and 26 May 2009.

[6] Mr R Warwick appeared for the UFU. Mr P Baker, Ms R Pearce and Mr D Killalea appeared for the Minister.

[7] In proceedings before the Commission on 26 June 2009 the parties advised that an agreed settlement had been reached and a draft order presented for the Commission’s consideration.

[8] The draft order provides for a new classification and salary structure based on the Tasmanian State Service Award. The agreement also provides for progression between increments and from one band to another, together with translation arrangements for incumbents.

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

[10] The application is granted operative from the beginning of the first pay period to commence on or after 5 March 2009.

[11] The Order reflecting this decision follows.

Tim Abey
COMMISSIONER

Appearances:
Mr R Warwick for the United Firefighters Union of Tasmania
Mr P Baker, Ms R Pearce and Mr D Killalea for the Minister administering the State Service Act 2000

Date and Place of Hearing:
2009
May 14, 26
June 26
Hobart