AN160331 – Watchmakers' and Jewellers' Award 1970

31. - AWARD MODERNISATION AND ENTERPRISE CONSULTATION

(1) The parties to this award are committed to co-operating positively to increase the efficiency and productivity of the industry to enhance the career opportunities and job security of employees in the industry.

(2) At each plant or enterprise a consultative mechanism may be established by the employer, or shall be established upon request by the employees or their Union. The consultative mechanism and procedure shall be appropriate to the size, structure and needs of that plant or enterprise.

(3) Where a consultative committee is established, it will be free to address any matter which is consistent with the objectives of subclause (1) of this clause.

(4) Discussions that take place will have regard to the following requirements:

(a) the changes sought shall not affect provisions reflecting State standards;

(b) the majority of employees affected by the change at the plant or enterprise must genuinely agree to the change;

(c) any agreement shall not, in the context of a total package, provide for a set of conditions of a lesser standard than that provided by the award and no employee shall have a lesser income as a result of the conditions provided for in such agreement;

(d) the Union must be a party to any agreement which affects the wages and/or conditions of employment of employees;

(e) the Union shall not unreasonably oppose any agreement;

(f) any agreement relating to award matters shall be subject to approval by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission and, if approved, shall operate as a schedule to this award and take precedence over any provision of this award to the extent of any inconsistency;

(g) if agreement cannot be reached on a particular issue, then the matter may be referred to the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission for determination.