MA000015  PR718567
FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DETERMINATION


Fair Work Act 2009

s.156–4 yearly review of modern awards

4 yearly review of modern awards
(AM2019/17)

RAIL INDUSTRY AWARD 2010
[MA000015]

Rail industry

JUSTICE ROSS, PRESIDENT
DEPUTY PRESIDENT CLANCY
COMMISSIONER BISSETT

MELBOURNE, 27 APRIL 2020

4 yearly review of modern awards – Rail Industry Award 2010 – modern award varied.

A. Further to the decisions [[2020] FWCFB 690], [2020 FWCFB 1541] and [[2020] FWCFB 1814] issued by the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission on 14 February 2020, 23 March 2020 and 27 April 2020, the Rail Industry Award 2010 is varied as follows:

1. By deleting all clauses, schedules and appendices.

2. By inserting the clauses and schedules attached.

B. This determination comes into operation from 29 May 2020. In accordance with s.165(3) of the Fair Work Act 2009, this determination does not take effect until the start of the first full pay period that starts on or after 29 May 2020.

PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

Rail Industry Award 2020

Table of Contents

Part 1— Application and Operation of this Award 3
1. Title and commencement 3
2. Definitions 3
3. The National Employment Standards and this award 4
4. Coverage 5
5. Individual flexibility arrangements 6
6. Requests for flexible working arrangements 8
7. Facilitative provisions 9
Part 2— Types of Employment and Classifications 10
8. Types of employment 10
9. Full-time employees 10
10. Part-time employees 10
11. Casual employees 10
12. Classifications 13
Part 3— Hours of Work 13
13. Ordinary hours of work and rostering 13
14. Breaks 14
Part 4— Wages and Allowances 14
15. Minimum rates 14
16. Payment of wages 19
17. Annualised wage arrangements 20
18. Allowances 21
19. Superannuation 25
Part 5— Overtime and Penalty Rates 25
20. Overtime 25
21. Penalty rates 28
Part 6— Leave and Public Holidays 29
22. Annual leave 29
23. Personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave 33
24. Parental leave and related entitlements 33
25. Community service leave 33
26. Unpaid family and domestic violence leave 33
27. Public holidays 33
Part 7— Consultation and Dispute Resolution 33
28. Consultation about major workplace change 33
29. Consultation about changes to rosters or hours of work 34
30. Dispute resolution 35
Part 8— Termination of Employment and Redundancy 36
31. Termination of employment 36
32. Redundancy 37
Schedule A —Classification Definitions 39
Schedule B —Summary of Hourly Rates of Pay 47
Schedule C —Summary of Monetary Allowances 53
Schedule D —School-based Apprentices 55
Schedule E —Supported Wage System 56
Schedule F —Agreement for Time Off Instead of Payment for Overtime 59
Schedule G —Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance 60
Schedule H —Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave 61
Schedule X —Additional Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic 62

Part 1—Application and Operation of this Award

1. Title and commencement

1.1 This award is the Rail Industry Award 2020.

1.2 This modern award commenced operation on 1 January 2010. The terms of the award have been varied since that date.

1.3 A variation to this award does not affect any right, privilege, obligation or liability that a person acquired, accrued or incurred under the award as it existed prior to that variation.

2. Definitions

In this award, unless the contrary intention appears:

(a) during a period of engagement on shiftwork, works night shift only; or

(b)  remains on night shift for a longer period than 4 consecutive weeks; or

(c) works on a night shift which does not rotate or alternate with another shift or with day work so as to give him or her at least l/3rd of his or her working time off night shift in each shift cycle.

(a) a marshalling yard;

(b) a crossing loop;

(c) a passenger terminal; or

(d) a freight terminal.

(a) railway tracks and associated track structures;

(b) service roads, signalling systems, communications systems, rolling stock control systems and data management systems;

(c) notices and signs;

(d) electrical power supply and electric traction systems;

(e) associated buildings, workshops, depots and yards; and

(f) plant, machinery and equipment;

3. The National Employment Standards and this award

3.1 The National Employment Standards (NES) and this award contain the minimum conditions of employment for employees covered by this award.

3.2 The employer must ensure that copies of this award and the NES are available to all employees to whom they apply, either on a notice board which is conveniently located at or near the workplace or through accessible electronic means.

3.3 Where this award refers to a condition of employment provided for in the NES, the NES definition applies.

4. Coverage

4.1 This industry award covers employers throughout Australia who are rail transport operators and their employees in the classifications listed in Schedule A—Classification Definitions to the exclusion of any other modern award.

4.2 In this award, the following applies:

(a) rail transport operator means a rail infrastructure manager and/or rolling stock manager;

(b) rail infrastructure manager means the person who has effective management and control of rail infrastructure, whether or not the person:

(c) rolling stock manager means a person who has effective management and control of the operation or movement of rolling stock on rail infrastructure for a particular railway.

4.3 The award does not cover employers and employees:

(a) predominantly engaged in operations, which may include the transport of freight and/or passengers, on private sidings that do not form part of a main freight or passenger line;

(b) engaged in the construction, maintenance or operation of a railway on a sugar mill rail network or sugar mill private siding which do not form part of a main freight or passenger line;

(c) engaged solely in the transportation, handling and loading of metals, minerals, ores or substances using the plant or infrastructure (including rail and/or ports) of the mine operator or a related company;

(d) engaged in operations on a mining lease or tenement which do not form part of a main freight or passenger line;

(e) engaged in the design, construction, fabrication or maintenance of rail infrastructure or rolling stock, except where such activities are conducted by a rail transport operator;

(f) engaged in the provision of light rail, monorail or tram services;

(g) engaged principally in the provision of tourist and/or heritage rail services;

(h) engaged in the provision of amusement park or related operations;

(i) engaged in the provision of road transport where the transport is not operated by a rail transport operator;

(j) engaged in the provision of ship or other transport; or

(k) engaged in the operation of freight terminals, where the terminal is not operated by a Rail Transport Operator.

4.4 This award covers any employer which supplies labour on an on-hire basis to a rail transport operator in respect of on-hire employees in classifications covered by this award, and those on-hire employees, while engaged in the performance of work for a business in that industry. Clause 4.4 operates subject to the exclusions from coverage in this award.

4.5 This award covers employers which provide group training services for apprentices and/or trainees engaged by a rail transport operator and those apprentices and/or trainees engaged by a group training service hosted by a company to perform work at a location where the activities described herein are being performed. Clause 4.5 operates subject to the exclusions from coverage in this award.

4.6 This award does not cover:

(a) employees excluded from award coverage by the Act;

(b) employees who are covered by a modern enterprise award or an enterprise instrument (within the meaning of the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 (Cth)), or employers in relation to those employees; or

(c) employees who are covered by a State reference public sector modern award or a State reference public sector transitional award (within the meaning of the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 (Cth)), or employers in relation to those employees.

4.7 Where an employer is covered by more than one award, an employee of that employer is covered by the award classification which is most appropriate to the work performed by the employee and to the environment in which the employee normally performs the work.

5. Individual flexibility arrangements

5.1 Despite anything else in this award, an employer and an individual employee may agree to vary the application of the terms of this award relating to any of the following in order to meet the genuine needs of both the employee and the employer:

(a) arrangements for when work is performed; or

(b) overtime rates; or

(c) penalty rates; or

(d) allowances; or

(e) annual leave loading.

5.2 An agreement must be one that is genuinely made by the employer and the individual employee without coercion or duress.

5.3 An agreement may only be made after the individual employee has commenced employment with the employer.

5.4 An employer who wishes to initiate the making of an agreement must:

(a) give the employee a written proposal; and

(b) if the employer is aware that the employee has, or reasonably should be aware that the employee may have, limited understanding of written English, take reasonable steps (including providing a translation in an appropriate language) to ensure that the employee understands the proposal.

5.5 An agreement must result in the employee being better off overall at the time the agreement is made than if the agreement had not been made.

5.6 An agreement must do all of the following:

(a) state the names of the employer and the employee; and

(b) identify the award term, or award terms, the application of which is to be varied; and

(c) set out how the application of the award term, or each award term, is varied; and

(d) set out how the agreement results in the employee being better off overall at the time the agreement is made than if the agreement had not been made; and

(e) state the date the agreement is to start.

5.7 An agreement must be:

(a) in writing; and

(b) signed by the employer and the employee and, if the employee is under 18 years of age, by the employee’s parent or guardian.

5.8 Except as provided in clause 5.7(b), an agreement must not require the approval or consent of a person other than the employer and the employee.

5.9 The employer must keep the agreement as a time and wages record and give a copy to the employee.

5.10 The employer and the employee must genuinely agree, without duress or coercion to any variation of an award provided for by an agreement.

5.11 An agreement may be terminated:

(a) at any time, by written agreement between the employer and the employee; or

(b) by the employer or employee giving 13 weeks’ written notice to the other party (reduced to 4 weeks if the agreement was entered into before the first full pay period starting on or after 4 December 2013).

5.12 An agreement terminated as mentioned in clause 5.11(b) ceases to have effect at the end of the period of notice required under that clause.

5.13 The right to make an agreement under clause 5 is additional to, and does not affect, any other term of this award that provides for an agreement between an employer and an individual employee.

6. Requests for flexible working arrangements

6.1 Employee may request change in working arrangements

6.2 Responding to the request

(a) the needs of the employee arising from their circumstances;

(b) the consequences for the employee if changes in working arrangements are not made; and

(c) any reasonable business grounds for refusing the request.

6.3 What the written response must include if the employer refuses the request

(a) Clause 6.3 applies if the employer refuses the request and has not reached an agreement with the employee under clause 6.2.

(b) The written response under section 65(4) must include details of the reasons for the refusal, including the business ground or grounds for the refusal and how the ground or grounds apply.

(c) If the employer and employee could not agree on a change in working arrangements under clause 6.2, then the written response under section 65(4) must:

6.4 What the written response must include if a different change in working arrangements is agreed

6.5 Dispute resolution

7. Facilitative provisions

7.1 A facilitative provision provides that the standard approach in an award provision may be departed from by agreement between an employer and an individual employee, or the majority of employees in the enterprise or part of the enterprise concerned.

7.2 Facilitative provisions in this award are contained in the following clauses:

(a) clause 13.1Ordinary hours;

(b) clause 17Annualised wage arrangements;

(c) clause 20.4Time off instead of payment for overtime;

(d) clause 22.7Annual leave in advance; and

(e) clause 22.8Cashing out of annual leave.

Part 2—Types of Employment and Classifications

8. Types of employment

8.1 Employees under this award may be employed in one of the following categories:

(a) full-time;

(b) part-time; or

(c) casual.

9. Full-time employees

A full-time employee is engaged to work an average of 38 ordinary hours per week.

10. Part-time employees

10.1 A part-time employee is:

(a) engaged to work an average of less than 38 ordinary hours per week; and

(b) receives, on a pro rata basis, equivalent pay and conditions to those of full-time employees who do the same kind of work.

10.2 For each ordinary hour worked, a part-time employee must be paid the ordinary hourly rate for their classification.

10.3 Before commencing part-time employment the employee and employer must agree on the hours worked each day, which days of the week the employee will work and the actual starting and finishing times each day.

10.4 Any agreed variation to the hours of work will be recorded in writing.

10.5 All time worked in excess of the agreed hours will be paid in accordance with clause 20Overtime.

11. Casual employees

11.1 A casual employee is an employee who is engaged and paid as a casual employee.

11.2 A casual employee’s ordinary hours of work are the lesser of 38 hours per week or the hours required to be worked by the employer.

11.3 Casual loading

(a) For each ordinary hour worked, a casual employee must be paid:

11.4 Casual penalty rates

(a) A casual employee will be paid 175% of the ordinary hourly rate for the first 3 hours, and 225% of the ordinary hourly rate thereafter, for any overtime hours worked on a Monday to Friday.

(b) A casual employee will be paid 175% of the ordinary hourly rate for any hours, ordinary and overtime, worked on a Saturday.

(c) A casual employee will be paid 225% of the ordinary hourly rate for any hours, ordinary and overtime, worked on a Sunday.

11.5 A casual employee will be paid 275% of the ordinary hourly rate for any hours, ordinary and overtime, worked on a public holiday prescribed in section 115 of the Act.

11.6 The casual loading is paid instead of annual leave, paid personal/carer’s leave, notice of termination, redundancy benefits and other entitlements of full-time or part-time employment.

11.7 A casual employee must be engaged and paid for at least 2 consecutive hours of work on each occasion they are required to attend work.

11.8 Right to request casual conversion

(a) A person engaged by a particular employer as a regular casual employee may request that their employment be converted to full-time or part-time employment.

(b) A regular casual employee is a casual employee who has in the preceding period of 12 months worked a pattern of hours on an ongoing basis which, without significant adjustment, the employee could continue to perform as a full-time employee or part-time employee under the provisions of this award.

(c) A regular casual employee who has worked equivalent full-time hours over the preceding period of 12 months’ casual employment may request to have their employment converted to full-time employment.

(d) A regular casual employee who has worked less than equivalent full-time hours over the preceding period of 12 months’ casual employment may request to have their employment converted to part-time employment consistent with the pattern of hours previously worked.

(e) Any request under clause 11.8 must be in writing and provided to the employer.

(f) Where a regular casual employee seeks to convert to full-time or part-time employment, the employer may agree to or refuse the request, but the request may only be refused on reasonable grounds and after there has been consultation with the employee.

(g) Reasonable grounds for refusal include that:

(h) For any ground of refusal to be reasonable, it must be based on facts which are known or reasonably foreseeable.

(i) Where the employer refuses a regular casual employee’s request to convert, the employer must provide the casual employee with the employer’s reasons for refusal in writing within 21 days of the request being made.

(j) If the employee does not accept the employer’s refusal, this will constitute a dispute that will be dealt with under the dispute resolution procedure in clause 30Dispute resolution. Under that procedure, the employee or the employer may refer the matter to the Fair Work Commission if the dispute cannot be resolved at the workplace level.

(k) Where it is agreed that a casual employee will have their employment converted to full-time or part-time employment as provided for in clause 11.8, the employer and employee must discuss and record in writing:

(l) The conversion will take effect from the start of the next pay cycle following such agreement being reached unless otherwise agreed.

(m) Once a casual employee has converted to full-time or part-time employment, the employee may only revert to casual employment with the written agreement of the employer.

(n) A casual employee must not be engaged and re-engaged (which includes a refusal to re-engage), or have their hours reduced or varied, in order to avoid any right or obligation under clause 11.8.

(o) Nothing in clause 11.8 obliges a regular casual employee to convert to full-time or part-time employment, nor permits an employer to require a regular casual employee to so convert.

(p) Nothing in clause 11.8 requires an employer to increase the hours of a regular casual employee seeking conversion to full-time or part-time employment.

(q) An employer must provide a casual employee, whether a regular casual employee or not, with a copy of the provisions of clause 11.8 within the first 12 months of the employee’s first engagement to perform work. In respect of casual employees already employed as at 1 October 2018, an employer must provide such employees with a copy of the provisions of clause 11.8 by 1 January 2019.

(r) A casual employee’s right to request to convert is not affected if the employer fails to comply with the notice requirements in clause 11.8(q).

12. Classifications

The classifications definitions of employees under this award are set out at Schedule A—Classification Definitions.

Part 3—Hours of Work

13. Ordinary hours of work and rostering

13.1 Ordinary hours

(a) The ordinary hours of work for a full-time employee are an average of 38 hours per week.

(b) The ordinary hours of work for a part-time or casual employee will be in accordance with clauses 10Part-time employees and 11Casual employees.

(c) For the purposes of section 63 of the Act, an employee’s weekly hours may be averaged over a period of up to 16 weeks.

(d) Ordinary hours for day workers in Clerical, Administration and Professional classifications may be worked between 6.00 am and 6.30 pm.

(e) Ordinary hours for day workers in Technical and Civil Infrastructure classifications may be worked between 6.00 am and 6.30 pm.

(f) An employer and the majority of affected employees may agree to alter the spread of hours in clauses 13.1(d) and 13.1(e).

(g) Employees may be required to work up to 10 ordinary hours per day. If the employer and majority of affected employees agree, up to 12 ordinary hours per day may be worked.

13.2 Rostering

(a) The employer may change shift rosters or require an employee to work a different shift roster at the direction of the employer where operational circumstances require. The employer will provide the employee with as much notice as practicable prior to any change in the roster and, wherever possible, the employer will consult with the employee before any change to the roster is made.

(b) The employer will arrange overtime work or shiftwork in a manner that ensures employees are provided with a break between work on successive days or shifts. The minimum break will reflect the operational requirements and conform to the principles of fatigue management.

14. Breaks

An employee may be rostered for an unpaid meal break of not less than 30 minutes during the course of an 8 hour shift provided that it does not interfere with operational requirements. Where an unpaid meal break is provided, the employee, where practical, should not be required to work more than 5 hours without a break.

Part 4—Wages and Allowances

15. Minimum rates

15.1 Adult rates

    Classification

    Annual salary equivalent1
    (full-time employee)

    Minimum weekly rate
    (full-time employee)

    Minimum hourly rate

 

    $

    $

    $

    Level 1 Rail Worker (CAP)

    40,737

    780.90

    20.55

    Level 2 Rail Worker (CAP)

    44,133

    846.00

    22.26

    Level 3 Rail Worker (CAP)

    45,828

    878.50

    23.12

    Level 4 Rail Worker (CAP)

    47,858

    917.40

    24.14

    Level 5 Rail Worker (CAP)

    51,932

    995.50

    26.20

    Level 6 Rail Worker (CAP)

    55,662

    1067.00

    28.08

    Level 7 Rail Worker (CAP)

    59,053

    1132.00

    29.79

    Level 8 Rail Worker (CAP)

    66,507

    1274.90

    33.55

    Level 9 Rail Worker (CAP)

    79,732

    1528.40

    40.22

    Classification

    Annual salary equivalent1
    (full-time employee)

    Minimum weekly rate
    (full-time employee)

    Minimum hourly rate

 

    $

    $

    $

    Level 1 Rail Worker (Op)

    38,645

    740.80

    19.49

    Level 2 Rail Worker (Op)

    41,086

    787.60

    20.73

    Level 3 Rail Worker (Op)

    45,495

    872.10

    22.95

    Level 4 Rail Worker (Op)

    49,908

    956.70

    25.18

    Level 5 Rail Worker (Op)

    54,650

    1047.60

    27.57

    Level 6 Rail Worker (Op)

    58,416

    1119.80

    29.47

    Classification

    Annual salary equivalent1
    (full-time employee)

    Minimum weekly rate
    (full-time employee)

    Minimum hourly rate

 

    $

    $

    $

    Level 1 Rail Worker (TCI)

    39,735

    761.70

    20.04

    Level 2 Rail Worker (TCI)

    41,274

    791.20

    20.82

    Level 3 Rail Worker (TCI)

    42,693

    818.40

    21.54

    Level 4 Rail Worker (TCI)

    44,994

    862.50

    22.70

    Level 5 Rail Worker (TCI)

    46,992

    900.80

    23.71

    Level 6 Rail Worker (TCI)

    49,084

    940.90

    24.76

    Level 7 Rail Worker (TCI)

    52,954

    1015.10

    26.71

15.2 Junior employee rates

15.3 Apprentices and trainee rates

(a) The terms of this award apply to apprentices and trainees, subject to the provisions of an applicable contract of apprenticeship or training agreement operating under federal, State or Territory apprenticeship or training legislation.

(b) Apprentices who commenced before 1 January 2014 will be entitled to the percentage of the applicable adult weekly rate for their classification as set out in the table below:

    Year of apprentice

    % of adult rate

    1st year

    45

    2nd year

    55

    3rd year

    75

    4th year

    88

(c) Apprentices who commenced their apprenticeship on or after 1 January 2014 will be entitled to the percentage of the applicable adult weekly rate for their classification as set out in the table below:

    Year of Apprenticeship

    % of rate for Level 4 Rail Worker (TCI) or Level 3 (Operations) for apprentices who have not completed year 12

    % of rate for Level 4 Rail Worker (TCI) or Level 3 (Operations) for apprentices who have completed year 12

    1st year

    50

    55

    2nd year

    60

    65

    3rd year

    75

    75

    4th year

    88

    88

15.4 School-based apprentice rates

15.5 Higher duties

15.6 Supported wage system

15.7 National training wage

(a) Schedule E to the Miscellaneous Award 2010 sets out minimum wage rates and conditions for employees undertaking traineeships.

(b) This award incorporates the terms of Schedule E to the Miscellaneous Award 2010 as at 1 July 2019. Provided that any reference to “this award” in Schedule E to the Miscellaneous Award 2010 is to be read as referring to the Rail Industry Award 2020 and not the Miscellaneous Award 2010.

16. Payment of wages

16.1 Payment on termination of employment

(a) The employer must pay an employee no later than 7 days after the day on which the employee’s employment terminates:

(b) The requirement to pay wages and other amounts under clause 16.1(a) is subject to further order of the Commission and the employer making deductions authorised by this award or the Act.

17. Annualised wage arrangements

17.1 Annualised wage instead of award provisions

(a) An employer and a full-time employee may enter into a written agreement for the employee to be paid an annualised wage in satisfaction, subject to clause 17.1(c), of any or all of the following provisions of the award:

(b) Where a written agreement for an annualised wage agreement is entered into, the agreement must specify:

(c) If in a pay period or roster cycle an employee works any hours in excess of either of the outer limit amounts specified in the agreement pursuant to clause 17.1(b)(iv), such hours will not be covered by the annualised wage and must separately be paid for in accordance with the applicable provisions of this award.

(d) The employer must give the employee a copy of the agreement and keep the agreement as a time and wages record.

(e) The agreement may be terminated:

17.2 Annualised wage not to disadvantage employees

(a) The annualised wage must be no less than the amount the employee would have received under this award for the work performed over the year for which the wage is paid (or if the employment ceases or the agreement terminates earlier, over such lesser period as has been worked).

(b) The employer must each 12 months from the commencement of the annualised wage arrangement or, within any 12 month period upon the termination of employment of the employee or termination of the agreement, calculate the amount of remuneration that would have been payable to the employee under the provisions of this award over the relevant period and compare it to the amount of the annualised wage actually paid to the employee. Where the latter amount is less than the former amount, the employer shall pay the employee the amount of the shortfall within 14 days.

(c) The employer must keep a record of the starting and finishing times of work, and any unpaid breaks taken, of each employee subject to an annualised wage arrangement agreement for the purpose of undertaking the comparison required by clause 17.2(b). This record must be signed by the employee, or acknowledged as correct in writing (including by electronic means) by the employee, each pay period or roster cycle.

17.3 Base rate of pay for employees on annualised wage arrangements 

18. Allowances

NOTE: Regulations 3.33(3) and 3.46(1)(g) of Fair Work Regulations 2009 set out the requirements for pay records and the content of payslips including the requirement to separately identify any allowance paid.

18.1 Employers must pay to an employee the allowances the employee is entitled to under clause 18.

18.2 Wage-related allowances—all employees

18.3 Wage-related allowances—technical and civil infrastructure employees

(c) Subject to clause 18.3(a), allowances in clause 18.3 are payable to apprentices and junior employees.

18.4 Expense-related allowances—all employees

19. Superannuation

19.1 Superannuation contributions for defined benefit members

Part 5—Overtime and Penalty Rates

20. Overtime

20.1 Definition of overtime

(a) For a full-time employee, overtime is any time worked in excess of the employee's ordinary hours (see clause 13Ordinary hours of work and rostering).

(b) For a part-time employee, hours worked in excess of the employee's ordinary hours (agreed in accordance with clauses 10.3 and 10.5) will be paid at the appropriate overtime rate.

(c) For a casual employee, overtime is any time worked in excess of the employee's ordinary hours (see clause 11.2).

20.2 Exclusions from overtime

(a) An employee within the Clerical, Administrative and Professional classifications engaged on an annual salary equivalent that is at or above Level 7 will not be entitled to overtime.

(b) An employee working overtime will not receive a shiftwork allowance in accordance with clause 21.2.

20.3 Overtime rates

    For overtime worked on

    % of ordinary hourly rate

    Monday to Friday – First 3 hours

    150

    Monday to Friday – After 3 hours

    200

    Saturday – all hours

    150

    Sunday – all hours

    200

    Public holiday – all hours

    250

20.4 Time off instead of payment for overtime

(a) An employee and employer may agree in writing to the employee taking time off instead of being paid for a particular amount of overtime that has been worked by the employee.

(b) Any amount of overtime that has been worked by an employee in a particular pay period and that is to be taken as time off instead of the employee being paid for it must be the subject of a separate agreement under clause 20.4.

(c) An agreement must state each of the following:

(d) The period of time off that an employee is entitled to take is the same as the number of overtime hours worked.

(e) Time off must be taken:

(f) If the employee requests at any time, to be paid for overtime covered by an agreement under clause 20.4 but not taken as time off, the employer must pay the employee for the overtime, in the next pay period following the request, at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked.

(g) If time off for overtime that has been worked is not taken within the period of 6 months mentioned in clause 20.4(e), the employer must pay the employee for the overtime, in the next pay period following those 6 months, at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked.

(h) The employer must keep a copy of any agreement under clause 20.4 as an employee record.

(i) An employer must not exert undue influence or undue pressure on an employee in relation to a decision by the employee to make, or not make, an agreement to take time off instead of payment for overtime.

(j) An employee may, under section 65 of the Act, request to take time off, at a time or times specified in the request or to be subsequently agreed by the employer and the employee, instead of being paid for overtime worked by the employee. If the employer agrees to the request then clause 20.4 will apply, including the requirement for separate written agreements under clause 20.4(b) for overtime that has been worked.

(k) If, on the termination of the employee’s employment, time off for overtime worked by the employee to which clause 20.4 applies has not been taken, the employer must pay the employee for the overtime at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked.

20.5 Call back

21. Penalty rates

An employee will be paid the following penalty rates.

21.1 Definitions

(a) afternoon shift means a shift that commences before 6.00 pm and concludes after 6.30 pm.

(b) early morning shift means a shift that commences at or between 4.00 am and 5.30 am.

(c) night shift means a shift that commences at or between 6.00 pm and 3.59 am.

(d) permanent night shift means an employee who:

(e) permanent night shiftworker means an employee who regularly performs permanent night shift work.

21.2 Shiftwork allowances

(a) For each hour worked on early morning shift or afternoon shift an employee will be paid $3.01.

(b) For each hour worked on night shift, an employee will be paid $3.57.

(c) For each hour worked on permanent night shift, an employee will be paid $6.78.

21.3 Sunday work

21.4 Public holidays

21.5 Saturday work

NOTE: See Schedule B—Summary of Hourly Rates of Pay for a summary of hourly rates of pay including penalty rates.

Part 6—Leave and Public Holidays

22. Annual leave

22.1 Clause 22 of the award supplements Division 6 of the NES which deals with annual leave.

22.2 For the purposes of Division 6 of the NES a shiftworker as defined in this award and a permanent night shiftworker are entitled to 5 weeks of paid annual leave.

22.3 Payment for annual leave

(a) if the employee is not a shiftworker, a loading of 17.5% of the employee’s base rate of pay for the period; or

(b) if the employee is a shiftworker, a loading of 20% of the employee’s base rate of pay for the period.

22.4 Excessive leave accruals: general provision

(a) An employee has an excessive leave accrual if the employee has accrued more than 8 weeks’ paid annual leave (or 10 weeks’ paid annual leave for a shiftworker, as defined by clause 22.2).

(b) If an employee has an excessive leave accrual, the employer or the employee may seek to confer with the other and genuinely try to reach agreement on how to reduce or eliminate the excessive leave accrual.

(c) Clause 22.5 sets out how an employer may direct an employee who has an excessive leave accrual to take paid annual leave.

(d) Clause 22.6 sets out how an employee who has an excessive leave accrual may require an employer to grant paid annual leave requested by the employee.

22.5 Excessive leave accruals: direction by employer that leave be taken

(a) If an employer has genuinely tried to reach agreement with an employee under clause 22.4(b) but agreement is not reached (including because the employee refuses to confer), the employer may direct the employee in writing to take one or more periods of paid annual leave.

(b) However, a direction by the employer under clause 22.5(a):

(c) The employee must take paid annual leave in accordance with a direction under clause 22.5(a) that is in effect.

(d) An employee to whom a direction has been given under clause 22.5(a) may request to take a period of paid annual leave as if the direction had not been given.

NOTE 1: Paid annual leave arising from a request mentioned in clause 22.5(d) may result in the direction ceasing to have effect. See clause 22.5(b)(i).

NOTE 2: Under section 88(2) of the Act, the employer must not unreasonably refuse to agree to a request by the employee to take paid annual leave.

22.6 Excessive leave accruals: request by employee for leave

(a) If an employee has genuinely tried to reach agreement with an employer under clause 22.4(b) but agreement is not reached (including because the employer refuses to confer), the employee may give a written notice to the employer requesting to take one or more periods of paid annual leave.

(b) However, an employee may only give a notice to the employer under clause 22.6(a) if:

(c) A notice given by an employee under clause 22.6(a) must not:

(d) An employee is not entitled to request by a notice under clause 22.6(a) more than 4 weeks’ paid annual leave (or 5 weeks’ paid annual leave for a shiftworker, as defined by clause 22.2) in any period of 12 months.

(e) The employer must grant paid annual leave requested by a notice under clause 22.6(a).

22.7 Annual leave in advance

(a) An employer and employee may agree in writing to the employee taking a period of paid annual leave before the employee has accrued an entitlement to the leave.

(b) An agreement must:

(c) The employer must keep a copy of any agreement under clause 22.4 as an employee record.

(d) If, on the termination of the employee’s employment, the employee has not accrued an entitlement to all of a period of paid annual leave already taken in accordance with an agreement under clause 22.4, the employer may deduct from any money due to the employee on termination an amount equal to the amount that was paid to the employee in respect of any part of the period of annual leave taken in advance to which an entitlement has not been accrued.

22.8 Cashing out of annual leave

(a) Paid annual leave must not be cashed out except in accordance with an agreement under clause 22.8.

(b) Each cashing out of a particular amount of paid annual leave must be the subject of a separate agreement under clause 22.8.

(c) An employer and an employee may agree in writing to the cashing out of a particular amount of accrued paid annual leave by the employee.

(d) An agreement under clause 22.8 must state:

(e) An agreement under clause 22.8 must be signed by the employer and employee and, if the employee is under 18 years of age, by the employee’s parent or guardian.

(f) The payment must not be less than the amount that would have been payable had the employee taken the leave at the time the payment is made.

(g) An agreement must not result in the employee’s remaining accrued entitlement to paid annual leave being less than 4 weeks.

(h) The maximum amount of accrued paid annual leave that may be cashed out in any period of 12 months is 2 weeks.

(i) The employer must keep a copy of any agreement under clause 22.8 as an employee record.

23. Personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave

Personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave are provided for in the NES.

24. Parental leave and related entitlements

Parental leave and related entitlements are provided for in the NES.

25. Community service leave

Community service leave is provided for in the NES.

26. Unpaid family and domestic violence leave

Unpaid family and domestic violence leave is provided for in the NES.

NOTE 1: Information concerning an employee’s experience of family and domestic violence is sensitive and if mishandled can have adverse consequences for the employee. Employers should consult with such employees regarding the handling of this information.

NOTE 2: Depending upon the circumstances, evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person of the employee’s need to take family and domestic violence leave may include a document issued by the police service, a court or family violence support service, or a statutory declaration.

27. Public holidays

Public holidays are provided for in the NES.

Part 7—Consultation and Dispute Resolution

28. Consultation about major workplace change

28.1 If an employer makes a definite decision to make major changes in production, program, organisation, structure or technology that are likely to have significant effects on employees, the employer must:

(a) give notice of the changes to all employees who may be affected by them and their representatives (if any); and

(b) discuss with affected employees and their representatives (if any):

(c) commence discussions as soon as practicable after a definite decision has been made.

28.2 For the purposes of the discussion under clause 28.1(b), the employer must give in writing to the affected employees and their representatives (if any) all relevant information about the changes including:

(a) their nature; and

(b) their expected effect on employees; and

(c) any other matters likely to affect employees.

28.3 Clause 28.2 does not require an employer to disclose any confidential information if its disclosure would be contrary to the employer’s interests.

28.4 The employer must promptly consider any matters raised by the employees or their representatives about the changes in the course of the discussion under clause 28.1(b).

28.5 In clause 28 significant effects, on employees, includes any of the following:

(a) termination of employment; or

(b) major changes in the composition, operation or size of the employer’s workforce or in the skills required; or

(c) loss of, or reduction in, job or promotion opportunities; or

(d) loss of, or reduction in, job tenure; or

(e) alteration of hours of work; or

(f) the need for employees to be retrained or transferred to other work or locations; or

(g) job restructuring.

28.6 Where this award makes provision for alteration of any of the matters defined at clause 28.5, such alteration is taken not to have significant effect.

29. Consultation about changes to rosters or hours of work

29.1 Clause 29 applies if an employer proposes to change the regular roster or ordinary hours of work of an employee, other than an employee whose working hours are irregular, sporadic or unpredictable.

29.2 The employer must consult with any employees affected by the proposed change and their representatives (if any).

29.3 For the purpose of the consultation, the employer must:

(a) provide to the employees and representatives mentioned in clause 29.2 information about the proposed change (for example, information about the nature of the change and when it is to begin); and

(b) invite the employees to give their views about the impact of the proposed change on them (including any impact on their family or caring responsibilities) and also invite their representative (if any) to give their views about that impact.

29.4 The employer must consider any views given under clause 29.3(b).

29.5 Clause 29 is to be read in conjunction with any other provisions of this award concerning the scheduling of work or the giving of notice.

30. Dispute resolution

30.1 Clause 30 sets out the procedures to be followed if a dispute arises about a matter under this award or in relation to the NES.

30.2 The parties to the dispute must first try to resolve the dispute at the workplace through discussion between the employee or employees concerned and the relevant supervisor.

30.3 If the dispute is not resolved through discussion as mentioned in clause 30.2, the parties to the dispute must then try to resolve it in a timely manner at the workplace through discussion between the employee or employees concerned and more senior levels of management, as appropriate.

30.4 If the dispute is unable to be resolved at the workplace and all appropriate steps have been taken under clauses 30.2 and 30.3, a party to the dispute may refer it to the Fair Work Commission.

30.5 The parties may agree on the process to be followed by the Fair Work Commission in dealing with the dispute, including mediation, conciliation and consent arbitration.

30.6 If the dispute remains unresolved, the Fair Work Commission may use any method of dispute resolution that it is permitted by the Act to use and that it considers appropriate for resolving the dispute.

30.7 A party to the dispute may appoint a person, organisation or association to support and/or represent them in any discussion or process under clause 30.

30.8 While procedures are being followed under clause 30 in relation to a dispute:

(a) work must continue in accordance with this award and the Act; and

(b) an employee must not unreasonably fail to comply with any direction given by the employer about performing work, whether at the same or another workplace, that is safe and appropriate for the employee to perform.

30.9 Clause 30.8 is subject to any applicable work health and safety legislation.

Part 8—Termination of Employment and Redundancy

31. Termination of employment

NOTE: The NES sets out requirements for notice of termination by an employer. See sections 117 and 123 of the Act.

31.1 Notice of termination by an employee

(a) Clause 31.1 applies to all employees except those identified in sections 123(1) and 123(3) of the Act.

(b) An employee must give the employer notice of termination in accordance with Table 1—Period of notice of at least the period specified in column 2 according to the period of continuous service of the employee specified in column 1.

(c) In clause 31.1(b) continuous service has the same meaning as in section 117 of the Act.

(d) If an employee who is at least 18 years old does not give the period of notice required under clause 31.1(b), then the employer may deduct from wages due to the employee under this award an amount that is no more than one week’s wages for the employee.

(e) If the employer has agreed to a shorter period of notice than that required under clause 31.1(b), then no deduction can be made under clause 31.1(d).

(f) Any deduction made under clause 31.1(d) must not be unreasonable in the circumstances.

31.2 Job search entitlement

(a) Where an employer has given notice of termination to an employee, the employee must be allowed time off without loss of pay of up to one day for the purpose of seeking other employment.

(b) The time off under clause 31.2 is to be taken at times that are convenient to the employee after consultation with the employer.

32. Redundancy

NOTE: Redundancy pay is provided for in the NES. See sections 119 to 123 of the Act.

32.1 Transfer to lower paid duties on redundancy

(a) Clause 32.1 applies if, because of redundancy, an employee is transferred to new duties to which a lower ordinary rate of pay applies.

(b) The employer may:

(c) If the employer acts as mentioned in clause 32.1(b)(ii), the employee is entitled to a payment of an amount equal to the difference between the ordinary rate of pay of the employee (inclusive of all-purpose allowances, shift rates and penalty rates applicable to ordinary hours) for the hours of work the employee would have worked in the first role, and the ordinary rate of pay (also inclusive of all-purpose allowances, shift rates and penalty rates applicable to ordinary hours) of the employee in the second role for the period for which notice was not given.

32.2 Employee leaving during redundancy notice period

(a) An employee given notice of termination in circumstances of redundancy may terminate their employment during the minimum period of notice prescribed by section 117(3) of the Act.

(b) The employee is entitled to receive the benefits and payments they would have received under clause 32 or under sections 119 to 123 of the Act had they remained in employment until the expiry of the notice.

(c) However, the employee is not entitled to be paid for any part of the period of notice remaining after the employee ceased to be employed.

32.3 Job search entitlement

(a) Where an employer has given notice of termination to an employee in circumstances of redundancy, the employee must be allowed time off without loss of pay of up to one day each week of the minimum period of notice prescribed by section 117(3) of the Act for the purpose of seeking other employment.

(b) If an employee is allowed time off without loss of pay of more than one day under clause 32.3(a), the employee must, at the request of the employer, produce proof of attendance at an interview.

(c) A statutory declaration is sufficient for the purpose of clause 32.3(b).

(d) An employee who fails to produce proof when required under clause 32.3(b) is not entitled to be paid for the time off.

(e) This entitlement applies instead of clause 31.2.

Schedule A—Classification Definitions

Clerical, Administrative and Professional Classifications

Preamble

Employees at each level may be required to have the competencies for the level or levels below their level. When required, employees at each level will undertake lower level duties as well as performing tasks incidental to work at their level. The employer will ensure employees undertake duties which are within the limits of the employee’s skills, competence and training.

    Level

    Tasks and Functions

    1

    Employees at this level will include the initial recruit who may have limited relevant experience.

 

    • Initially work is performed under close direction using established practices, procedures and instructions.
    • Employees perform routine clerical and office functions requiring an understanding of clear, straightforward rules or procedures and may be required to operate office equipment.
    • Employees at this level are responsible and accountable for their own work within established routines, methods and procedures and the less experienced employee’s work may be subject to checking at all stages.
    • The more experienced employee may be required to give assistance to less experienced employees in the same classification.

    2

    Employees at this level are responsible and accountable for their own work which is performed within established guidelines and processes.

 

    • In some situations detailed instructions may be necessary.
    • The employees may be required to exercise limited judgment and initiative within the range of their skills, training and knowledge.
    • The work of these employees may be subject to progress and final checking.
    • Employees may be required to check the work of and/or provide guidance to other employees at a lower level and/or provide assistance to less experienced employees at the same level.
    • Employees at this level may have a certification in a relevant area of their duties.

    3

    Employees at this level have achieved a standard to be able to perform some specialised or routine tasks or features of the work.

 

    • Employees require only general guidance or direction and there is scope for the exercise of limited initiative, discretion and judgment in carrying out their assigned duties.
    • Such employees may be required to give assistance and/or guidance (including guidance in relation to quality of work and which may require some allocation of duties) to employees in Levels 1 and 2.
    • Employees at this level would be able to train Level 1 and 2 employees by means of personal instruction and demonstration.
    • Employees will hold an associate diploma or equivalent allowing them to perform the specialised tasks.
    • This level will include university graduates within their first and second year post graduation with no prior industry relevant experience.

    4

    Employees at this level will have achieved a level of organisational or industry specific knowledge sufficient for them to give general advice and/or information to the organisation and clients in relation to specific areas of their responsibility.

 

    • They would require only limited guidance or direction and would normally report to more senior staff as required.
    • They will exercise initiative, discretion and judgment at times in the performance of their duties.
    • Whilst not a prerequisite, a principal feature of this level is supervision of employees in lower levels in terms of responsibility for the allocation of duties, co-ordinating work flow, checking progress, quality of work and resolving problems.
    • They are able to train employees in Levels 1 to 3 by personal instruction and demonstration.
    • Employees at this level will have relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent.

    5

    Employees will typically have worked or studied in a relevant field and will have achieved a standard of relevant and/or specialist knowledge and experience sufficient to enable them to advise on a range of activities.

 

    • Employees at this level will contribute, as required, to the determination of objectives, within the relevant field(s) of their expertise.
    • They are responsible and accountable for their own work.
    • They may have delegated responsibility for the work under their control or supervision, in terms of scheduling workloads, resolving operations problems and monitoring the quality of work produced.
    • They may be required to counsel staff for performance as well as work related matters.
    • They would also be able to train and to supervise employees in lower levels by means of personal instruction and demonstration.
    • They would also be able to assist in the delivery of training courses.
    • They often exercise initiative, discretion and judgment in the performance of their duties.
    • Employees at this level will have relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent.

    6

    The employee would be undertaking detailed research and analysis, preparing documents such as complex estimates and reports.

 

    • The employee would have specialist and detailed knowledge of systems such as timetabling, network operations and infrastructure configurations, accounting, human resources and applicable legislation.
    • An employee at this level would be expected to have a high level of verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
    • They would have the ability to analyse situations and take corrective action where required, applying problem-solving methodologies where applicable.
    • Whilst not necessarily working autonomously, the employee would be expected to be responsible for the accuracy and timeliness of their work without direct supervision.

    7

    Employees at this level are subject to broad guidance or direction and would report to more senior staff as required.

 

    • Employees will typically have worked or studied in a relevant field and will have achieved a standard of relevant and/or specialist knowledge and experience sufficient to enable them to provide specialist advice on a range of activities.
    • They will be required to contribute to the determination of objectives within the relevant field of their expertise.
    • They are responsible and accountable for their own work and will have delegated responsibility for the work under their control or supervision in terms of scheduling workloads, resolving operations problems and monitoring the quality of work produced.
    • They will be required to counsel staff for performance as well as work related matters.
    • At this level the employee would oversee resources to ensure maximum asset or staff utilisation such as crew rostering or timetable preparation.
    • The employee may be liaising with external stakeholders and may be preparing strategies to meet financial targets or correct adverse trends or assisting in developing budgets.
    • They would also be able to train and to supervise employees in lower levels by means of personal instruction and demonstration.
    • They are able to undertake the delivery of training courses.
    • They often exercise initiative, discretion and judgment in the performance of their duties.
    • Employees at this level will have relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent.

    8

    The employee would be supervising the day-to-day activities of others and managing their rosters and relief.

 

    • They may be delivering training to others.
    • Employees at this level will provide expert interpretation of documents and legislation.
    • The employee would be liaising with senior managers on complex matters and provide specialised reports on payroll or budgets.
    • The employee would have strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work autonomously.
    • They would have a high level of knowledge of specialised computer systems.
    • The employee can be expected to have 4 years post-tertiary qualifications experience or equivalent in their specialised area.

    9

    The employee will provide guidance and direction to staff supervising others. The employee will have high level specialised skills.

Operations Classifications

Preamble

Employees at each level may be required to have the competencies for the level or levels below their level. When required, employees at each level will undertake lower level duties as well as performing tasks incidental to work at their level. The employer will ensure employees undertake duties which are within the limits of the employee’s skills, competence and training.

    Level

    Tasks and Functions

    1

    Employees at this level undertake and successfully complete standard induction training and will be required to:

 

    • Be responsible for personal safety and use the protective equipment provided to perform work safely.
    • Undertake a range of functions with a basic knowledge of policies, procedures and guidelines using a sound level of skill to perform the functions.
    • Perform routine customer service, presentation and operations duties requiring minimal judgment.
    • Undertake tasks with direct supervision and guidance.

    2

    Employees at this level will be required to:

 

    • Perform semi-skilled work using relevant plant and equipment.
    • Undertake a range of functions with a sound knowledge of policies, procedures and guidelines using a sound level of skill to perform the functions.
    • Exercise discretion within their skill level and be responsible for the quality of the work.
    • Provide some supervision of staff undertaking routine customer service, presentation and operations duties.
    • Be able to implement and direct safe working requirements.
    • Undertake tasks with supervision and guidance.

    3

    Employees at this level will be required to:

 

    • Undertake a range of functions with a detailed knowledge of policies, procedures and guidelines using a substantial level of skill to perform the functions.
    • Be able to plan tasks and select the appropriate equipment and procedures from known alternatives, taking responsibility for the work of others.
    • Apply skills and knowledge in complex but routine work situations where discretion and judgment are involved.
    • Understand and apply quality control techniques.
    • Have acquired skills and knowledge through completion of relevant trade level qualifications or have the practical experience which has equipped the employee with an equivalent level of skills and knowledge.
    • Exercise discretion within the scope of this level, undertake tasks with limited supervision and guidance and assist in the provision of on-the-job training.

    4

    Employees at this level will have the level of skill or knowledge required to perform this work through the completion of a post trade certificate or equivalent, or through acquisition of practical skill and knowledge which has equipped the employee with the equivalent level of skill or knowledge. Employees will:

 

    • Undertake a range of functions with a detailed knowledge of policies, procedures and guidelines using a substantial level of skill to perform the functions.
    • Be required to complete work of a non-routine nature requiring the application of the relevant skills and knowledge to new but predictable situations.
    • Supervise staff undertaking complex but routine work.
    • Be capable of the safe operation of locomotives and other rolling stock.
    • Undertake tasks with little supervision and guidance.

    5

    Employees at this level will hold a trade level qualification used in the operations and have acquired additional knowledge by having satisfactorily completed a prescribed post trade course or achievement to the satisfaction of the employer of a comparable standard of skill and knowledge by other means. Employees will:

 

    • Undertake a range of functions with extensive knowledge of policies, procedures and guidelines using a high level of skill to perform the functions.
    • Be capable of:
    • providing the day-to-day leadership, direction, co-ordination and supervision of support staff;
    • working within budgets, co-ordinating or supervising others to optimise team performance; and
    • training staff in the performance of safety critical operations.
    • Tasks are undertaken with no supervision.
    • This level includes a locomotive freight driver when actually in driver only operation on a main line or the driver of a train exceeding 3,000 tonnes but less than 8,000 tonnes.

    6

    Employees at this level hold specialist skills and knowledge in the operations and have completed trade and post trade certificate qualifications or equivalent achievement to the satisfaction of the employer of a comparable standard of skill and knowledge by other means. The employee will:

 

    • Undertake a range of functions with a detailed extensive knowledge of policies, procedures and guidelines using a high level of skill to perform the functions.
    • Be responsible for the delivery of safety critical operations.
    • Undertake tasks with no supervision and provide guidance and assistance to others.
    • Undertake functions including substantial leadership, direction, management and support of staff, but not the overall leadership and management of major/complex locations/terminals.
    • Be capable of delivering detailed training to others in the performance of complex but predictable functions.
    • This level includes a locomotive freight driver when actually the driver of a train of 8,000 tonnes.

Technical and Civil Infrastructure Classifications

Preamble

Employees at each level may be required to have the competencies for the level or levels below their level. When required, employees at each level will undertake lower level duties as well as performing tasks incidental to work at their level. The employer will ensure employees undertake duties which are within the limits of the employee’s skills, competence and training.

    Level

    Tasks and Functions

    1

    An employee at this level performs routine duties essentially of a manual nature and to the level of their training. These include:

 

    • Performing general labouring and cleaning duties.
    • Exercising minimal judgment.
    • Working under direct supervision.
    • Undertaking structured training so as to enable them to work at a Level 1.
    • Observes and applies all relevant rules, regulations, and instructions including attendance policies and instructions, rostered hours, wearing protective clothing, footwear and equipment, and safety and safeworking notices or instructions.

    2

    An employee at this level:

 

    • Works in accordance with standard operating procedures and established criteria.
    • Works under direct supervision either individually or in a team environment.
    • Understands and undertakes basic quality control/assurance procedures including the ability to recognise basic quality deviations/faults.
    • Follows safe work practices and can report workplace hazards.

    3

    An employee at this level would have completed a Level I or Level II certificate or equivalent and is:

 

    • Responsible for the quality of their own work subject to routine supervision.
    • Works under routine supervision either individually or in a team environment.
    • Exercises discretion within their level of skills and training.
    • Assists in the provision of on-the-job training.

    4

    An employee at this level would possess a trade certificate (Certificate Level III) and is able to exercise the skills and knowledge of their trade so as to enable the employee to perform work within the scope of this level. An employee at this level:

 

    • Understands and applies quality control techniques.
    • Exercises good interpersonal and communication skills.
    • Exercises discretion within the scope of this level.
    • Performs work under limited supervision either individually or in a team environment.
    • Operates lifting equipment incidental to their work.
    • Performs non-trade tasks incidental to their work.
    • Performs work which, while primarily involving the skills of the employee’s trade, is incidental or peripheral to the primary task and facilitates the completion of the whole task, provided that such incidental or peripheral work does not require additional formal technical training.
    • Inspects products and/or materials for conformity with established operational standards.

    5

    An employee at this level would supervise non-trades staff (civil) or have experience in their trade stream and will be undertaking theoretical and practical training to attain qualifications for a Certificate Level IV. An employee at this level:

 

    • Provides limited technical guidance.
    • Prepares technical reports to the level of their competence.
    • Complies with quality and costs targets.

    6

    An employee at this level would possess a Certificate Level IV and is able to exercise the skills and knowledge of their trade so as to enable the employee to perform work within the scope of this level. An employee at this level:

 

    • Is able to provide trade guidance and assistance as part of a work team.
    • Provides training in conjunction with supervisors and trainers.
    • Understands and implements quality control techniques.
    • Works under limited supervision either individually or in a team environment.
    • Operates lifting equipment incidental to their work.
    • Performs non-trade tasks incidental to their work.

    7

    An employee at this level:

 

    • Provides technical guidance or assistance within the scope of this level.
    • Prepares reports of a technical nature on tasks or assignments within the employee’s skills and competence.
    • Has an overall knowledge and understanding of the operating principle of the systems and equipment on which the tradesperson is required to carry out their task.
    • Acts as a Work Group Leader (signals) or provides system supervision and assists in the provision of on-the-job training in conjunction with supervisors and trainers.

   

Schedule B—Summary of Hourly Rates of Pay
B.1 Full-time and part-time employees
B.1.1 Ordinary hourly rate is the minimum hourly rate of pay for an employee plus any allowance payable for all purposes to which the employee is entitled. Where an allowance is payable for all purposes in accordance with clause 18.4(a), this forms part of the employee’s ordinary hourly rate and must be added to the ordinary hourly rate prior to calculating penalties and overtime.
B.1.2 The rates in the tables below are based on the minimum hourly rates in accordance with clause 15.1. Consistent with clause B.1.1, all-purpose allowances need to be added to the rates in the table where they are applicable.
B.1.3 Full-time and part-time clerical, administration and professional (CAP) employees—ordinary and penalty rates

     

    Ordinary hours

    Early morning/ afternoon

    Night

    Permanent night

    Saturday

    Sunday

    Public holiday

 

    % of ordinary hourly rate1

     

    100%

    100% + $3.01

    100% +$3.57

    100% + $6.78

    150%

    200%

    250%

 

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    Level 1 Rail Worker (CAP)

    20.55

    23.56

    24.12

    27.33

    30.83

    41.10

    51.38

    Level 2 Rail Worker (CAP)

    22.26

    25.27

    25.83

    29.04

    33.39

    44.52

    55.65

    Level 3 Rail Worker (CAP)

    23.12

    26.13

    26.69

    29.90

    34.68

    46.24

    57.80

    Level 4 Rail Worker (CAP)

    24.14

    27.15

    27.71

    30.92

    36.21

    48.28

    60.35

    Level 5 Rail Worker (CAP)

    26.20

    29.21

    29.77

    32.98

    39.30

    52.40

    65.50

    Level 6 Rail Worker (CAP)

    28.08

    31.09

    31.65

    34.86

    42.12

    56.16

    70.20

    Level 7 Rail Worker (CAP)

    29.79

    32.80

    33.36

    36.57

    44.69

    59.58

    74.48

    Level 8 Rail Worker (CAP)

    33.55

    36.56

    37.12

    40.33

    50.33

    67.10

    83.88

    Level 9 Rail Worker (CAP)

    40.22

    43.23

    43.79

    47.00

    60.33

    80.44

    100.55

1 Rates in table are calculated on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

B.1.4 Full-time and part-time CAP employees—overtime rates

     

    Weekday – first 3 hours

    Weekday – after 3 hours

    Saturday
    – all day

    Sunday – all day

    Public holiday
    – all day

 

    % of ordinary hourly rate1

 

    150%

    200%

    150%

    200%

    250%

 

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    Level 1 Rail Worker (CAP)

    30.83

    41.10

    30.83

    41.10

    51.38

    Level 2 Rail Worker (CAP)

    33.39

    44.52

    33.39

    44.52

    55.65

    Level 3 Rail Worker (CAP)

    34.68

    46.24

    34.68

    46.24

    57.80

    Level 4 Rail Worker (CAP)

    36.21

    48.28

    36.21

    48.28

    60.35

    Level 5 Rail Worker (CAP)

    39.30

    52.40

    39.30

    52.40

    65.50

    Level 6 Rail Worker (CAP)

    42.12

    56.16

    42.12

    56.16

    70.20

    Level 7 Rail Worker (CAP)2

    Level 8 Rail Worker (CAP)2

    Level 9 Rail Worker (CAP)2

1 Rates in table are calculated on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

2 An employee engaged on a base rate of pay per annum that is at or above Level 7 will not be entitled to overtime, see clause 20.2.

B.1.5 Full-time and part-time technical and civil infrastructure (TCI) employees—ordinary and penalty rates

     

    Ordinary hours

    Early morning/ afternoon

    Night

    Permanent night

    Saturday

    Sunday

    Public holiday

 

    % of ordinary hourly rate1

     

    100%

    100% + $3.01

    100% +$3.57

    100% + $6.78

    150%

    200%

    250%

 

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    Level 1 Rail Worker (TCI)

    20.04

    23.05

    23.61

    26.82

    30.06

    40.08

    50.10

    Level 2 Rail Worker (TCI)

    20.82

    23.83

    24.39

    27.60

    31.23

    41.64

    52.05

    Level 3 Rail Worker (TCI)

    21.54

    24.55

    25.11

    28.32

    32.31

    43.08

    53.85

    Level 4 Rail Worker (TCI)

    22.70

    25.71

    26.27

    29.48

    34.05

    45.40

    56.75

    Level 5 Rail Worker (TCI)

    23.71

    26.72

    27.28

    30.49

    35.57

    47.42

    59.28

    Level 6 Rail Worker (TCI)

    24.76

    27.77

    28.33

    31.54

    37.14

    49.52

    61.90

    Level 7 Rail Worker (TCI)

    26.71

    29.72

    30.28

    33.49

    40.07

    53.42

    66.78

1 Rates in table are calculated on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

B.1.6 Full-time and part-time TCI employees—overtime rates

     

    Weekday – first 3 hours

    Weekday – after 3 hours

    Saturday
    – all day

    Sunday – all day

    Public holiday
    – all day

 

    % of ordinary hourly rate1

 

    150%

    200%

    150%

    200%

    250%

 

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    Level 1 Rail Worker (TCI)

    30.06

    40.08

    30.06

    40.08

    50.10

    Level 2 Rail Worker (TCI)

    31.23

    41.64

    31.23

    41.64

    52.05

    Level 3 Rail Worker (TCI)

    32.31

    43.08

    32.31

    43.08

    53.85

    Level 4 Rail Worker (TCI)

    34.05

    45.40

    34.05

    45.40

    56.75

    Level 5 Rail Worker (TCI)

    35.57

    47.42

    35.57

    47.42

    59.28

    Level 6 Rail Worker (TCI)

    37.14

    49.52

    37.14

    49.52

    61.90

    Level 7 Rail Worker (TCI)

    40.07

    53.42

    40.07

    53.42

    66.78

1 Rates in table are calculated on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

B.1.7 Full-time and part-time Operations (Op) employees—ordinary and penalty rates

 

    Ordinary hours

    Early morning/ afternoon

    Night

    Permanent night

    Saturday

    Sunday

    Public holiday

 

    % of ordinary hourly rate1

 

    100%

    100% + $3.01

    100% +$3.57

    100% + $6.78

    150%

    200%

    250%

 

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    Level 1 Rail Worker (Op)

    19.49

    22.50

    23.06

    26.27

    29.24

    38.98

    48.73

    Level 2 Rail Worker (Op)

    20.73

    23.74

    24.30

    27.51

    31.10

    41.46

    51.83

    Level 3 Rail Worker (Op)

    22.95

    25.96

    26.52

    29.73

    34.43

    45.90

    57.38

    Level 4 Rail Worker (Op)

    25.18

    28.19

    28.75

    31.96

    37.77

    50.36

    62.95

    Level 5 Rail Worker (Op)

    27.57

    30.58

    31.14

    34.35

    41.36

    55.14

    68.93

    Level 6 Rail Worker (Op)

    29.47

    32.48

    33.04

    36.25

    44.21

    58.94

    73.68

1 Rates in table are calculated on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

B.1.8 Full-time and part-time Op employees—overtime rates

 

    Weekday – first 3 hours

    Weekday – after 3 hours

    Saturday
    – all day

    Sunday – all day

    Public holiday
    – all day

 

    % of ordinary hourly rate1

 

    150%

    200%

    150%

    200%

    250%

 

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    Level 1 Rail Worker (Op)

    29.24

    38.98

    29.24

    38.98

    48.73

    Level 2 Rail Worker (Op)

    31.10

    41.46

    31.10

    41.46

    51.83

    Level 3 Rail Worker (Op)

    34.43

    45.90

    34.43

    45.90

    57.38

    Level 4 Rail Worker (Op)

    37.77

    50.36

    37.77

    50.36

    62.95

    Level 5 Rail Worker (Op)

    41.36

    55.14

    41.36

    55.14

    68.93

    Level 6 Rail Worker (Op)

    44.21

    58.94

    44.21

    58.94

    73.68

1 Rates in table are calculated on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

B.2 Casual employees
B.2.1 Casual CAP employees—ordinary and penalty rates

     

    Ordinary hours

    Early morning/ afternoon

    Night

    Permanent night

    Saturday

    Sunday

    Public holiday

 

    % of ordinary hourly rate1

 

    125%

    125% + $3.01

    125% +$3.57

    125% + $6.78

    175%

    225%

    275%

 

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    Level 1 Rail Worker (CAP)

    25.69

    28.70

    29.26

    32.47

    35.96

    46.24

    56.51

    Level 2 Rail Worker (CAP)

    27.83

    30.84

    31.40

    34.61

    38.96

    50.09

    61.22

    Level 3 Rail Worker (CAP)

    28.90

    31.91

    32.47

    35.68

    40.46

    52.02

    63.58

    Level 4 Rail Worker (CAP)

    30.18

    33.19

    33.75

    36.96

    42.25

    54.32

    66.39

    Level 5 Rail Worker (CAP)

    32.75

    35.76

    36.32

    39.53

    45.85

    58.95

    72.05

    Level 6 Rail Worker (CAP)

    35.10

    38.11

    38.67

    41.88

    49.14

    63.18

    77.22

    Level 7 Rail Worker (CAP)

    37.24

    40.25

    40.81

    44.02

    52.13

    67.03

    81.92

    Level 8 Rail Worker (CAP)

    41.94

    44.95

    45.51

    48.72

    58.71

    75.49

    92.26

    Level 9 Rail Worker (CAP)

    50.28

    53.29

    53.85

    57.06

    70.39

    90.50

    110.61

1 Rates in table are calculated based on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

B.2.2 Casual TCI employees—ordinary and penalty rates

     

    Ordinary hours

    Early morning/ afternoon

    Night

    Permanent Night

    Saturday

    Sunday

    Public holiday

 

    % of ordinary hourly rate1

 

    125%

    125% + $3.01

    125% +$3.57

    125% + $6.78

    175%

    225%

    275%

 

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    Level 1 Rail Worker (TCI)

    25.05

    28.06

    28.62

    31.83

    35.07

    45.09

    55.11

    Level 2 Rail Worker (TCI)

    26.03

    29.04

    29.60

    32.81

    36.44

    46.85

    57.26

    Level 3 Rail Worker (TCI)

    26.93

    29.94

    30.50

    33.71

    37.70

    48.47

    59.24

    Level 4 Rail Worker (TCI)

    28.38

    31.39

    31.95

    35.16

    39.73

    51.08

    62.43

    Level 5 Rail Worker (TCI)

    29.64

    32.65

    33.21

    36.42

    41.49

    53.35

    65.20

    Level 6 Rail Worker (TCI)

    30.95

    33.96

    34.52

    37.73

    43.33

    55.71

    68.09

    Level 7 Rail Worker (TCI)

    33.39

    36.40

    36.96

    40.17

    46.74

    60.10

    73.45

1 Rates in table are calculated based on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

B.2.3 Casual Ops employees—ordinary and penalty rates

 

    Ordinary hours

    Early morning/afternoon

    Night

    Permanent Night

    Saturday

    Sunday

    Public holiday

 

    % of ordinary hourly rate1

 

    125%

    125% + $3.01

    125% +$3.57

    125% + $6.78

    175%

    225%

    275%

 

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    $

    Level 1 Rail Worker (Op)

    24.36

    27.37

    27.93

    31.14

    34.11

    43.85

    53.60

    Level 2 Rail Worker (Op)

    25.91

    28.92

    29.48

    32.69

    36.28

    46.64

    57.01

    Level 3 Rail Worker (Op)

    28.69

    31.70

    32.26

    35.47

    40.16

    51.64

    63.11

    Level 4 Rail Worker (Op)

    31.48

    34.49

    35.05

    38.26

    44.07

    56.66

    69.25

    Level 5 Rail Worker (Op)

    34.46

    37.47

    38.03

    41.24

    48.25

    62.03

    75.82

    Level 6 Rail Worker (Op)

    36.84

    39.85

    40.41

    43.62

    51.57

    66.31

    81.04

1 Rates in table are calculated based on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

Schedule C—Summary of Monetary Allowances

See clause 18Allowances for full details of allowances payable under this award.

C.1 Wage-related allowances
C.1.1 The following wage-related allowances are based on the standard rate as defined in clause 2Definitions as the minimum hourly rate for a Level 4 technical and civil infrastructure employee in clause 15.1 = $22.70.

    Allowance

    Clause

    % of standard rate

    $

    Payable

    First aid allowance

    18.2(a)

    72.2

    16.39

    per week

    On-call allowance: For a night

    18.2(b)(i)

    49.4

    11.21

    per night

    On-call allowance: For a day and night

    18.2(b)(i)

    123.9

    28.13

    per day and night

    Wet places

    18.3(d)(i)

    2.9

    0.66

    per hour

    Confined spaces

    18.3(e)

    3.8

    0.86

    per hour

    Dirty work

    18.3(f)

    2.9

    0.66

    per hour

    Height money

    18.3(g)

    2.1

    0.48

    per hour

    Insulation materials

    18.3(h)

    3.8

    0.86

    per hour

    Explosive powered tools—per day

    18.3(i)

    7.5

    1.70

    per day

    Explosive powered tools—per hour

    18.3(i)

    Per day divided by 7.6

    0.22

    per hour

    Foundry allowances

    18.3(j)(i)

    2.2

    0.50

    per hour

    Early morning or afternoon shift

    21.2(a)

    13.24

    3.01

    per hour

    Night shift

    21.2(b)

    15.73

    3.57

    per hour

    Permanent night shift

    21.2(c)

    29.86

    6.78

    per hour

C.1.2 Adjustment of wage-related allowances

C.2 Expense-related allowances
C.2.1 The following expense-related allowances will be payable to employees in accordance with clause 18.4:

    Allowance

    Clause

    $

    Payable

    Tool allowance1

    18.4(b)

    17.82

    per week

    Meal allowance

    18.4(c)

    16.93

    per occasion

C.2.2 Adjustment of expense-related allowances

   

Schedule D—School-based Apprentices
D.1 This schedule applies to school-based apprentices. A school-based apprentice is a person who is undertaking an apprenticeship in accordance with this schedule while also undertaking a course of secondary education.
D.2 A school-based apprenticeship may be undertaken in the trades covered by this award under a training agreement or contract of training for an apprentice declared or recognised by the relevant State or Territory authority.
D.3 The relevant minimum wages for full-time junior and adult apprentices provided for in this award, calculated hourly, will apply to school-based apprentices for total hours worked including time deemed to be spent in off-the-job training.
D.4 For the purposes of clause D.3, where an apprentice is a full-time school student, the time spent in off-the-job training for which the apprentice must be paid is 25% of the actual hours worked each week on-the-job. The wages paid for training time may be averaged over the semester or year.
D.5 A school-based apprentice must be allowed, over the duration of the apprenticeship, the same amount of time to attend off-the-job training as an equivalent full-time apprentice.
D.6 For the purposes of this schedule, off-the-job training is structured training delivered by a Registered Training Organisation separate from normal work duties or general supervised practice undertaken on the job.
D.7 The duration of the apprenticeship must be as specified in the training agreement or contract for each apprentice but must not exceed 6 years.
D.8 School-based apprentices progress through the relevant wage scale at the rate of 12 months progression for each 2 years of employment as an apprentice or at the rate of competency-based progression, if provided for in this award.
D.9 The apprentice wage scales are based on a standard full-time apprenticeship of 4 years (unless the apprenticeship is of 3 years duration) or stages of competency based progression, if provided for in this award. The rate of progression reflects the average rate of skill acquisition expected from the typical combination of work and training for a school-based apprentice undertaking the applicable apprenticeship.
D.10 If an apprentice converts from school-based to full-time, the successful completion of competencies (if provided for in this award) and all time spent as a full-time apprentice will count for the purposes of progression through the relevant wage scale in addition to the progression achieved as a school-based apprentice.
D.11 School-based apprentices are entitled pro rata to all of the other conditions in this award.

Schedule E—Supported Wage System
E.1 This schedule defines the conditions which will apply to employees who because of the effects of a disability are eligible for a supported wage under the terms of this award.
E.2 In this schedule:

E.3 Eligibility criteria
E.3.1 Employees covered by this schedule will be those who are unable to perform the range of duties to the competence level required within the class of work for which the employee is engaged under this award, because of the effects of a disability on their productive capacity and who meet the impairment criteria for receipt of a disability support pension.
E.3.2 This schedule does not apply to any existing employee who has a claim against the employer which is subject to the provisions of workers compensation legislation or any provision of this award relating to the rehabilitation of employees who are injured in the course of their employment.
E.4 Supported wage rates
E.4.1 Employees to whom this schedule applies will be paid the applicable percentage of the relevant minimum wage according to the following schedule:

    Assessed capacity (clause E.5)
    %

    Relevant minimum wage
    %

    10

    10

    20

    20

    30

    30

    40

    40

    50

    50

    60

    60

    70

    70

    80

    80

    90

    90

E.4.2 Provided that the minimum amount payable must be not less than $87 per week.
E.4.3 Where an employee’s assessed capacity is 10%, they must receive a high degree of assistance and support.
E.5 Assessment of capacity
E.5.1 For the purpose of establishing the percentage of the relevant minimum wage, the productive capacity of the employee will be assessed in accordance with the SWS by an approved assessor, having consulted the employer and employee and, if the employee so desires, a union which the employee is eligible to join.
E.5.2 All assessments made under this schedule must be documented in an SWS wage assessment agreement, and retained by the employer as a time and wages record in accordance with the Act.
E.6 Lodgement of SWS wage assessment agreement
E.6.1 All SWS wage assessment agreements under the conditions of this schedule, including the appropriate percentage of the relevant minimum wage to be paid to the employee, must be lodged by the employer with the Fair Work Commission.
E.6.2 All SWS wage assessment agreements must be agreed and signed by the employee and employer parties to the assessment. Where a union which has an interest in the award is not a party to the assessment, the assessment will be referred by the Fair Work Commission to the union by certified mail and the agreement will take effect unless an objection is notified to the Fair Work Commission within 10 working days.
E.7 Review of assessment

The assessment of the applicable percentage should be subject to annual or more frequent review on the basis of a reasonable request for such a review. The process of review must be in accordance with the procedures for assessing capacity under the supported wage system.

E.8 Other terms and conditions of employment

Where an assessment has been made, the applicable percentage will apply to the relevant minimum wage only. Employees covered by the provisions of this schedule will be entitled to the same terms and conditions of employment as other workers covered by this award on a pro rata basis.

E.9 Workplace adjustment

An employer wishing to employ a person under the provisions of this schedule must take reasonable steps to make changes in the workplace to enhance the employee’s capacity to do the job. Changes may involve re-design of job duties, working time arrangements and work organisation in consultation with other workers in the area.

E.10 Trial period
E.10.1 In order for an adequate assessment of the employee’s capacity to be made, an employer may employ a person under the provisions of this schedule for a trial period not exceeding 12 weeks, except that in some cases additional work adjustment time (not exceeding 4 weeks) may be needed.
E.10.2 During that trial period the assessment of capacity will be undertaken and the percentage of the relevant minimum wage for a continuing employment relationship will be determined.
E.10.3 The minimum amount payable to the employee during the trial period must be no less than $87 per week.
E.10.4 Work trials should include induction or training as appropriate to the job being trialled.
E.10.5 Where the employer and employee wish to establish a continuing employment relationship following the completion of the trial period, a further contract of employment will be entered into based on the outcome of assessment under clause E.5.

Schedule F—Agreement for Time Off Instead of Payment for Overtime
Link to PDF copy of Agreement for Time Off Instead of Payment for Overtime.

Name of employee: _____________________________________________

Name of employer: _____________________________________________

The employer and employee agree that the employee may take time off instead of being paid for the following amount of overtime that has been worked by the employee:

Date and time overtime started: ___/___/20___ ____ am/pm

Date and time overtime ended: ___/___/20___ ____ am/pm

Amount of overtime worked: _______ hours and ______ minutes

The employer and employee further agree that, if requested by the employee at any time, the employer must pay the employee for overtime covered by this agreement but not taken as time off. Payment must be made at the overtime rate applying to the overtime when worked and must be made in the next pay period following the request.

Signature of employee: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

Name of employer representative: ________________________________________

Signature of employer representative: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

Schedule G—Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance
Link to PDF copy of Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance.

Name of employee: _____________________________________________

Name of employer: _____________________________________________

The employer and employee agree that the employee will take a period of paid annual leave before the employee has accrued an entitlement to the leave:

The amount of leave to be taken in advance is: ____ hours/days

The leave in advance will commence on: ___/___/20___

Signature of employee: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

Name of employer representative: ________________________________________

Signature of employer representative: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

[If the employee is under 18 years of age - include:]

I agree that:

if, on termination of the employee’s employment, the employee has not accrued an entitlement to all of a period of paid annual leave already taken under this agreement, then the employer may deduct from any money due to the employee on termination an amount equal to the amount that was paid to the employee in respect of any part of the period of annual leave taken in advance to which an entitlement has not been accrued.

Name of parent/guardian: ________________________________________

Signature of parent/guardian: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

   

Schedule H—Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave
Link to PDF copy of Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave.

Name of employee: _____________________________________________

Name of employer: _____________________________________________

The employer and employee agree to the employee cashing out a particular amount of the employee’s accrued paid annual leave:

The amount of leave to be cashed out is: ____ hours/days

The payment to be made to the employee for the leave is: $_______ subject to deduction of income tax/after deduction of income tax (strike out where not applicable)

The payment will be made to the employee on: ___/___/20___

Signature of employee: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

Name of employer representative: ________________________________________

Signature of employer representative: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

Include if the employee is under 18 years of age:

Name of parent/guardian: ________________________________________

Signature of parent/guardian: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

   

Schedule X—Additional Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic
X.1 Subject to clauses X.2.1(d) and X.2.2(c), Schedule X operates from 8 April 2020 until 30 June 2020. The period of operation can be extended on application.
X.2 During the operation of Schedule X, the following provisions apply:
X.2.1 Unpaid pandemic leave

X.2.2 Annual leave at half pay

NOTE 1: A employee covered by this award who is entitled to the benefit of clause X.2.1 or X.2.2 has a workplace right under section 341(1)(a) of the Act.

NOTE 2: Under section 340(1) of the Act, an employer must not take adverse action against an employee because the employee has a workplace right, has or has not exercised a workplace right, or proposes or does not propose to exercise a workplace right, or to prevent the employee exercising a workplace right. Under section 342(1) of the Act, an employer takes adverse action against an employee if the employer dismisses the employee, injures the employee in his or her employment, alters the position of the employee to the employee’s prejudice, or discriminates between the employee and other employees of the employer.

NOTE 3: Under section 343(1) of the Act, a person must not organise or take, or threaten to organise or take, action against another person with intent to coerce the person to exercise or not exercise, or propose to exercise or not exercise, a workplace right, or to exercise or propose to exercise a workplace right in a particular way.