AN120196 – Engine Drivers General (State) Award
12.1 The parties to this award are committed to co-operating positively to increase efficiency, productivity and international competitiveness where appropriate and to enhance the career opportunities and job security of employees covered by this award.
12.2 At each enterprise, the parties shall establish a consultative mechanism and procedures appropriate to the size, structure and needs of that enterprise. Measures raised by the parties for consideration consistent with the objectives of 12.1 shall be processed through that consultative mechanism.
12.3 Measures raised for consideration consistent with subclause 12.2 shall be related to implementation of the new classification structure, the facilitative provisions contained in this award and, subject to matters concerning training.
12.4 Without limiting the rights of either an employer or a Union to arbitration, any measure designed to increase flexibility on a site within an enterprise sought by any party shall be implemented by agreement subject to the following requirements.
(a) the changes sought shall not affect provisions reflecting national standards;
(b) the majority of employees affected by the change at the site or enterprise must genuinely agree to the change;
(c) no employee shall lose income as a result of the change;
(d) the relevant Union must be a party to the agreement and the Union will not unreasonably withhold its consent;
(e) any agreement shall be subject, where appropriate, to approval by the Industrial Commission and, if approved, shall operate as a Schedule to the award to take precedence over any provision of this award to the extent of any inconsistency.
(f) Award restructuring should be given its wider meaning, and award restructure should not be confined to the restructuring of classifications but may extend to the review of other restrictive provisions which currently operate. To that end, such restrictive provisions will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.
12.5 The parties to this award recognise that in order to increase the efficiency, productivity and international competitiveness of industry, a greater commitment to training and skill development is required.
Accordingly, the parties commit themselves to:
(a) developing a more highly skilled workforce;
(b) providing employees with career opportunities through appropriate training to acquire additional skills; and
(c) removing barriers to the utilisation of skills acquired.
12.6 Any disputes arising in relation to the implementation of this clause shall be subject to the provisions of the Settlement of Disputes Clause.
