AN160290 – Sheet Metal Workers' Award No. 10 of 1973

27. - AVOIDANCE OF INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE

(1) A procedure for the avoidance of industrial disputes shall apply in establishments covered by this award.

The objectives of the procedure shall be to promote the resolution of disputes by measures based on consultation, co-operation and discussion; to reduce the level of industrial confrontation; and to avoid interruption to the performance of work and the consequential loss of production and wages.

It is acknowledged that in some companies or sectors of the industry, disputes avoidance/settlement procedures are either now in place or in the process of being negotiated and it may be the desire of the immediate parties concerned to pursue those mutually agreed procedures.

(2) In other cases, the following principles shall apply:

(a) Depending on the issues involved, the size and function of the plant or enterprise and the union membership of the employees concerned, a procedure involving up to four stages of discussion shall apply. These are:

(i) discussions between the employee/s concerned (and shop steward if requested) and the immediate supervisors;

(ii) discussions involving the employee/s concerned, the shop steward and the employer representative;

(iii) discussions involving representatives from the state branch of the union(s) concerned and the employer representatives;

(iv) discussions involving senior union officials (state secretary) and the senior management representative(s);

(v) There shall be an opportunity for any party to raise the issue to a higher stage.

(b) There shall be a commitment by the parties to achieve adherence to this procedure. This should be facilitated by the earliest possible advice by one party to the other of any issue or problem which may give rise to a grievance or dispute.

(c) Throughout all stages of the procedure all relevant facts shall be clearly identified and recorded.

(d) Sensible time limits shall be allowed for the completion of the various stages of the discussions. At least seven days should be allowed for all stages of the discussions to be finalised.

(e) Emphasis shall be placed on a negotiated settlement. However, if the negotiation process is exhausted without the dispute being resolved, the parties shall jointly or individually refer the matter to the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission for assistance in resolving the dispute.

(f) In order to allow for the peaceful resolution of grievances the parties shall be committed to avoid stoppages of work, lockouts or any other bans or limitation on the performance of work while the procedures of negotiation and conciliation are being followed.

(g) The employer shall ensure that all practices applied during the operation of the procedure are in accordance with safe working practices and consistent with established custom and practices at the workplace.