[2019] FWCFB 8398
FAIR WORK COMMISSION

STATEMENT


Fair Work Act 2009

s.156 - 4 yearly review of modern awards

4 yearly review of modern awards
(AM2019/17)

JUSTICE ROSS, PRESIDENT
DEPUTY PRESIDENT CLANCY
COMMISSIONER BISSETT

MELBOURNE, 11 DECEMBER 2019

4 yearly review of modern awards – finalisation of Exposure Drafts and variation determinations – Tranche 2 – 17 and 18 December hearings.

1. Background

[1] A decision issued on 2 September 2019 1 (the September 2019 Decision) outlined the process for finalising the Exposure Drafts produced in the 4 yearly review of modern awards (the Review) and the consequent variation of each modern award. This Full Bench (AM2019/17) has been constituted to oversee this process and for that purpose we have divided modern awards into 3 tranches. The awards in each tranche were set out at Attachment B to the September 2019 Decision.

[2] This Statement deals with the 41 2 awards in Tranche 2:

  Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Award

  Airline Operations—Ground Staff Award

  Air Pilots Award

  Airport Employees Award

  Alpine Resorts Award

  Architects Award

  Asphalt Industry Award

  Cleaning Services Award

  Clerks—Private Sector Award

  Commercial Sales Award

  Concrete Products Award

  Contract Call Centres Award

  Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award

  Educational Services (Post-Secondary Education) Award

  Dry Cleaning and Laundry Industry Award

  Gas Industry Award

  Higher Education Industry—Academic Staff—Award

  Higher Education Industry—General Staff—Award

  Hospitality Industry (General) Award

  Hydrocarbons Field Geologists Award

  Labour Market Assistance Industry Award

  Local Government Industry Award

  Mannequins and Models Award

  Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award

  Maritime Offshore Oil and Gas Award

  Meat Industry Award

  Pastoral Award

  Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award

  Pharmaceutical Industry Award

  Poultry Processing Award

  Professional Diving Industry (Industrial) Award

  Professional Diving Industry (Recreational) Award

  Rail Industry Award

  Restaurant Industry Award

  Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award

  Road Transport and Distribution Award

  Stevedoring Industry Award

  Storage Services and Wholesale Award

  Transport (Cash in Transit) Award

  Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award

  Waste Management Award

[3] On 14 October 2019 Exposure Drafts were published for each of these awards with amendments made in tracked changes to show the changes made since the Exposure Draft was last published. Draft variation determinations in respect of each award were also published.

[4] In a decision issued on 14 October 2019 3 (the 14 October 2019 decision) we expressed the provisional view that the variation of the modern awards in Tranche 2 in accordance with the draft variation determinations was, in respect of each of these awards, necessary to achieve the modern awards objective. Interested parties were invited to comment on the provisional view in accordance with the timetable below:

[5] Submissions have been filed by:

  Association of Consulting Architects Australia (ACAA) on 27 November 2019

  Association of Independent Schools (AIS) on 27 November 2019

  Australian Business Industrial (ABI) on 27 November 2019 and 9 December 2019

  Australian Hotels Association (AHA) on 27 November 2019 and 9 December 2019

  Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) on 27 November 2019 and 9 December 2019

  Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) on 27 November 2019, 27 November 2019 and 9 December 2019

  Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) on 27 November 2019 and 9 December 2019

  Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union – Manufacturing Division on 6 November 2019

  Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW on 5 December 2019

  Group of 8 Universities (Go8) on 27 November 2019

  Independent Education Union of Australia (IEU) on 5 December 2019 and 9 December 2019

  Local Government Associations (LGA) on 27 November 2019

  Motor Trades Organisations (MTO) on 27 November 2019 and 9 December 2019

  National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) on 27 November 2019

  National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) on 18 November 2019 and 3 December 2019

  Rail, Tram and Bus Union Australia (RTBU) on 27 November 2019

  Transport Workers Union (TWU) in relation to the following awards:

  Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award on 21 November 2019

  Airline Operations – Ground Staff Award on 21 November 2019

  Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award on 21 November 2019

  Waste Management Award on 21 November 2019

  Transport (Cash in Transit) Award on 21 November 2019

  Road Transport and Distribution Award on 21 November 2019

  Qantas on 27 November 2019

  Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) on 9 December 2019

  United Workers’ Union (UWU) on 9 December 2019

[6] Issues raised in respect of the Tranche 2 awards will be the subject of hearings at 2pm on Tuesday 17 December 2019 and 9:30 am on Wednesday 18 December 20195 This Statement summarises the submissions made and expresses a number of provisional views in respect of some of the points advanced. The purpose of the Statement is to focus the 17 and 18 December 2019 hearings on the contentious issues. We deal first with some general issues.

2. General issues

[7] During the finalisation of Exposure Drafts in Tranche 1, we issued 2 decisions: one on 24 October 2019 6 (the 24 October Decision) and the other on 25 November 20197 (the 25 November Decision). In those two decisions we determined that the following common drafting amendments would be made to all awards in Tranche 1:

  The removal of any contested overtime for casuals rates from the rates of pay Schedules (see [12] – [18] of the 24 October Decision).

  Casual conversion clauses in the 28 awards had such clauses prior to the Casual and Part-time Decision 8 will not be redrafted during the review and the Exposure Drafts will be amended to re-insert the current award term9.

  The deletion of the ‘note’ in the Schedules of Rates (see [21] – [23] of the 24 October Decision).

  The year in the title of the award will be amended to 2020.

  In awards where the coverage clause refers to other modern awards, the year in the title of those awards will be amended to either 2010 or 2020 as appropriate.

  The reference to the summary of hourly rates of pay schedule in the minimum rates clause will be converted from an information box to a Note. The reference to ‘penalties’ in this note will be corrected to ‘penalty rates’.

  The reference to the Miscellaneous Award 20XX will be amended to Miscellaneous Award 2010. This will be varied to the Miscellaneous Award 2020 when the review of the Miscellaneous Award is finalised.

  Some formatting changes will be made to the summary of hourly rates of pay schedules to facilitate subsequent variation determinations following an Annual Wage Review. The content of these schedules will not be changed.

[8] We confirm that each of these amendments will also be made to the Tranche 2 awards.

Operative Date

[9] Ai Group submit that a period of not less than 3 months should be allowed to lapse between the issue of final determinations varying each award and the variations becoming operative. 10 In the 25 October decision we confirmed that the following approach would be taken:

1. The Full Bench will issue a decision dealing with the issues arising in respect of the Tranche 1 Exposure Drafts and associated draft variation determinations.

2. Variation determinations for the Tranche 1 awards will be published no later than 25 November 2019 and will commence operation on 4 February 2020.

3. If a Tranche 1 award is the subject of another variation determination between the publication of the variation determination arising from this decision (25 November 2019) and when those variation determinations commence operation (on 4 February 2020) a conference will be convened to provide all parties interested in the affected award with an opportunity to be heard in relation to the appropriate course of action.

[10] We express the provisional view that the Tranche 2 awards will follow the same process. Final variation determinations will be issued no later than 14 February 2020. The variation determinations will commence operation on 6 April 2020. Interested parties will be asked to comment on this provisional view at the hearings on 17 and 18 December 2019.

Overtime for casuals

[11] ABI notes that multiple Tranche 2 Exposure Drafts contain summary tables setting out overtime rates of pay for causal employees in the Schedule of Hourly Rates of Pay and that the calculation of some of these rates is currently in dispute as part of the ‘Overtime for Casuals’ matter. 11

[12] ABI submits that, consistent with the approach taken with the first tranche of Exposure Drafts, 12 the Commission should publish the updated Exposure Drafts without any schedules containing overtime rates for casuals. 13 These schedules can be reinserted into the Tranche 2 awards, if appropriate, after the relevant Full Bench hands down its decision. We agree and will adopt the approach proposed.

Expression of Numbers

[13] ABI notes that one of the recent amendments to the Exposure Drafts has been to write numbers as figures instead of words. 14 This reflects the recommendations in paragraph 8.8 of the guidelines for plain language drafting of modern awards. 15

[14] ABI submits that the ‘voluntary employee contributions’ clause in many of the Exposure Drafts has been overlooked in this regard 16. For consistency, ABI submits that the terms “three month’s written notice” should be expressed as “3 month’s written notice”.17

Question for ABI: Is the Commission’s capacity to vary the ‘voluntary employee contributions’ clause in modern awards in the context of the 4 yearly review constrained by s.156(2)(c)? (see the definition of ‘default fund term’ in s.149C(2)).

Coverage for Group Training Organisations

[15] ABI notes that many of the Exposure Drafts contain coverage clauses relating to group training organisations. ABI submits that consequential changes made to these clauses has highlighted a potential anomaly. 18 ABI provides the Pharmaceutical Industry Award 2010 as an example:

‘This award covers employers which provide group training services for trainees engaged in the pharmaceutical industry and/or parts of that industry.’ (emphasis added). 19

[16] ABI submits that it is unclear what is meant by “and/or parts of that industry” as any trainee engaged in a part of the pharmaceutical industry, must also, by definition, be engaged in the pharmaceutical industry as a whole. 20 The use of the words “and/or”, suggests that an employee may be engaged in a part of the pharmaceutical industry, but not the pharmaceutical industry. ABI further notes that the words “and/or parts of that industry” do not appear in clause 4.1, the general coverage clause, or clause 4.4, the on-hire coverage clause. ABI submits that similar clauses apply to other Exposure Drafts.21

[17] ABI questions whether different coverage provisions should apply to group training organisations that do not apply to other employers.  22 It also submits that the use of “and/or” is also inconsistent with paragraph 5.10 of the guidelines for plain language drafting of modern awards. 23

[18] We note that ABI does not suggest a particular solution to the issue raised. Is it proposed that the words ‘and/or parts of that industry’ be deleted?

[19] Interested parties will be invited to make submissions in respect of this proposal at the hearing commencing at 9:30am on Wednesday 18 December 2019. We note that the proposed changes would affect all (or at least most) modern awards (including those dealt with in Tranche 1).

3. Correcting minor errors

[20] A number of the submissions received identify minor typographical errors or omissions within Exposure Drafts and draft variation determinations, as follows:

  Airline Operations—Ground Staff Award 24

  Alpine Resorts Award 25

  Asphalt Industry Award 26

  Cleaning Services Award 27

  Clerks—Private Sector Award 28

  Commercial Sales Award 29

  Concrete Products Award 30

  Contract Call Centres Award 31

  Dry Cleaning Award 32

  Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award 33

  Gas Industry Award 34

  Labour Market Assistance Industry Award 35

  Local Government Industry Award 36

  Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 37

  Meat Industry Award 38

  Pastoral Award 39

  Pharmaceutical Industry Award 40

  Poultry Processing Award 41

  Road Transport and Distribution Award 42

  Storage Services and Wholesale Award 43

  Transport (Cash in Transit) Award 44

  Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 45

  Waste Management Award 46

4. Hearing at 2pm on Tuesday 17 December 2019: the Transport Group of Awards

4.1 Timetable

[21] The Transport Group of awards are listed for hearing at 2pm on 17 December 201947 The following awards are in the Transport Group:

  Road Transport Award;

  Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2010;

  Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award 2010;

  Road Transport and Distribution Award 2010;

  Transport (Cash in Transit) Award 2010; and

  Waste Management Award 2010.

[22] The submissions filed in respect of these awards are as follows:

  Australian Business Industrial & the NSW Business Chamber (ABI) submission, 27 November 2019

  Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) submission, 27 November 2019

  Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) submission, 27 November 2019

  Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) submission, 27 November 2019

  National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) submission,14 October 2019

  NatRoad submission,18 November 2019

  NatRoad submission, 3 December 2019

  Transport Workers Union (TWU) in relation to the following awards:

  Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award on 21 November 2019

  Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award on 21 November 2019

  Waste Management Award on 21 November 2019

  Transport (Cash in Transit) Award on 21 November 2019

  Road Transport and Distribution Award on 21 November 2019

[23] The running order for the hearing scheduled for Tuesday 17 December 2019 is set out below.

(i) General issues: parties will be invited to make submissions in respect of the general issues dealt with at [7] – [19] above:

  Common corrections from Tranche 1

  Operative date

  Overtime for casuals

  Expression of numbers as numerals

  Coverage of group training organisation

(ii) Correction of minor errors: we propose to correct a number of minor errors that have been identified in the following Exposure Drafts and draft variation determinations:

  Road Transport and Distribution Award 48

  Transport (Cash in Transit) Award 49

  Waste Management Award 50

4.2 Award specific issues

  Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award 2010;

  Road Transport and Distribution Award 2010;

  Transport (Cash in Transit) Award 2010; and

  Waste Management Award 2010.

Note: No award specific issues have been raised in relation to the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2010

4.2.1 Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award

[24] There are two issues in relation to this award.

(i) Clause 4.2

[25] Clause 4.2 contains the definitions that are relevant to the coverage of the Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award (Long Distance Operations Award). ABI submits that the introductory wording of clause 4.2 should be more clearly expressed. 51

[26] The introductory wording to clause 4.2 is as follows:

‘In this award, the following applies to the private transport industry engaged in long distances operations:’

[27] ABI submits that the definitions apply to the Long Distance Operations Award generally rather than applying to the “private transport industry engaged in long distance operations”. ABI submits that the introductory wording to clause 4.2 should be replaced with the words “In this award:” such that the clause reads: 52

‘In this award, the following applies to the private transport industry engaged in long distances operations:

(a) private transport industry means the transportation by road of all materials whether in a raw or manufactured state, or of livestock, throughout Australia;

(b) long distance operation means any interstate operation, or any return journey where the distance travelled exceeds 500 kilometres and the operation involves a vehicle moving livestock or materials whether in a raw or manufactured state from a principal point of commencement to a principal point of destination. An area within a radius of 32 kilometres from the GPO of a capital city will be deemed to be the capital city;

(c) interstate operation means an operation involving a vehicle moving livestock or materials whether in a raw or manufactured state from a principal point of commencement in one State or Territory to a principal point of destination in another State or Territory. Provided that to be an interstate operation the distance involved must exceed 200 kilometres, for any single journey. An area within a radius of 32 kilometres from the GPO of a capital city will be deemed to be the capital city.’

(ii) Clause 25.3(b) Payment for work on a public holiday

[28] The TWU contends that clause 25.3(b) conflicts with clauses 10.8 and 11.4 and proposes that the issue should be resolved by replacing the reference to 4 hours in clause 25.3(b) with a reference to 8 hours.

[29] Clause 25.3(b) states:

(b) An employee must be paid for a minimum of four4 hours’ work.

[30] Clauses 10.8 and clause 11.4 provide for minimum payments that generally apply where a casual or part-time employee is engaged to work. This equates to either an 8 hour or 500km minimum payment:

10.8 A part-time employee who is paid by the cents per kilometre method of clause 16.4 must receive a minimum payment per day for 500 km. Where the employee is engaged according to the hourly driving rate method the minimum payment per day must be eight8 hours’ pay.

11.4 Minimum payment and engagement

(a) A casual employee who is paid by the cents per kilometre method of clause 16.4 must receive a minimum payment per engagement for 500 km.

(b) Where the employee is engaged according to the hourly driving rate method the minimum engagement must be eight8 hours.

[31] The TWU submits:

‘Full time employees could not undertake a long distance operation, as defined in the Award, within a four hours period … [and] that clause 25.3(b) should be amended by deleting ‘4 hours’ and replacing it with ‘8 hours’ to overcome the conflict.’ 53

[32] In reply, Ai Group submits that the TWU proposal should not be adopted and it would introduce a new entitlement for casual and part-time employees:

‘51. Clause 25.3 deals with the specific issue of payment for full-time and part-time employees who work on a public holiday. It provides for the same entitlement for these two different types of employment. Under the provision both types of employment attract a payment for either 20% or 30% (depending on the public holiday) of the relevant weekly wage plus payment for work performed, plus payment for a minimum of 4 hours work.

52. Clause 25.4 deals with the specific issue of payment for time worked by a casual employee on a public holiday. It requires payment for such time at 20% or 30% (depending on the public holiday) of the relevant weekly wage plus payment for work performed. There is no requirement for a minimum amount of work to be performed on such days.

53. The TWU submission appears to incorrectly assert that clause 25.3(b) of the exposure draft provides for a four hour minimum payment for all types of employment. There is no such minimum payment applicable to casual employees.

54. Clauses 25.3 and 25.4 regulate the payment for work performed on a public holiday. These specific provisions should be read to the exclusion of the general provisions contained in clauses 10.8 and 11.4, which apply on other days.

55. If the TWU proposal was adopted it would be unclear how the payment would need to be calculated in the context of an employee being paid in accordance with the cents per kilometre method of remuneration available under the award.’ 54

4.2.2 Road Transport and Distribution Award

[33] During the course of the Full Bench hearing on 9 October 2019 55 relating to the Tranche 2 Exposure Drafts an issue arose in relation to the Exposure Draft for this award. The issue is in relation to clause 12.2 – Minimum wage rates – oil distribution workers and whether the divisor for the calculation of hourly wage rates for oil distribution workers is 35 or 38.

[34] The National Road Transport Association (Natroad) filed a submission on 14 October 2019 in support of the divisor being 38:

‘This submission records the NatRoad position that certain of the Schedules in the Draft should be deleted as there has been no determination of the Commission that the divisor for oil distribution workers in respect of the weekly wage rate is 35. Whilst clause 23 of the current Award specifies that employees engaged in the transport and/or distribution of petroleum products in their raw or manufactured state enjoy a 35 hour week, the dispute arises as to whether the weekly rates are divided by 35 or by 38. If the Draft stands unaltered the question is decided in favour of the divisor being 35. NatRoad advises its members that the current divisor is 38.

We note that Schedule C2.3, C2.4, C3.3, C3.4, C4.3 and C4.4 are affected and, in NatRoad’s submission, should either be deleted or changed to reflect a divisor of 38.’ 56

[35] The submissions of the interested parties in response to this issue are summarised in a Background Document dealing with this issue.

[36] The TWU raise a number of issues in respect of this award.

(i) Clause 11.6 Conversion of casual employment

[37] The TWU refers to the provisional view of the Full Bench expressed at [2019] FWCFB 6894 at paragraph [81] in respect of the drafting of the term and supports the inclusion of a casual conversion clause in the Exposure Draft pending the resolution of issues associated with the drafting of the term.

(ii) Clause 14.4 Ordinary hours of work – oil distribution employees

[38] Clause 14.4 provides:

14.4 Ordinary hours of work must not exceed eight8 hours per day.

[39] Clause 14.6 provides:

14.6 Method of working ordinary hours

Ordinary hours of work may be worked by either of the following methods:

(a) Providing for rostered days off (RDOs)

(i) Rostered days off must be provided by a roster drawn up in each workplace providing for nine 9 days each of seven 7 hours and 47 minutes, and one rostered day off over a continuous two-week period.

(ii) Where an employee’s rostered day off falls on a public holiday, the employee is entitled, at the discretion of the employer, to either:

  seven 7 hours of pay at the ordinary time rate; or

  seven 7 hours extra annual leave; or

  a substitute day off on an alternative week day.

(b) Providing for other than a rostered day off

Ordinary hours may be worked over five 5 days each of seven 7 hours, but only where:

(i) the employer either engages 20 employees or less or operates 15 vehicles or less pursuant to the provisions of this award at a particular yard, depot or garage;

(ii) the employer has entered into arrangements with a client for the provision of transport services on a permanent basis extending over five 5 days of each week, Monday to Friday inclusive, and where these arrangements would be prejudiced by the requirement that rostered days off be taken on any day or all such days of the week; or

(iii) the operations being performed by the employer require particular employees to work five 5 days of each week, Monday to Friday inclusive, and where these operations would be prejudiced by the requirement that rostered days off be taken on any or all days.

[40] The TWU refers to the amendment made to clause 14.4 that prescribes that the ordinary hours of work for oil distribution workers must not exceed 8 hours per day and to those provisions at clause 14.6(a)(ii) which prescribe that the ordinary hours of work for those workers on public holidays is 7 hours per day and to the provisions in 14.6(b) which also prescribe that the ordinary hours of work over 5 days each is 7 hours per day.

[41] The TWU submits that the ordinary hours of work for oil distribution workers is 35 hours per week or 70 hours per fortnight (consistent with the provisions in clause 14.2). When

divided by 5, this is the equivalent of 7 hours per day for an oil distribution worker

engaged on a full-time basis.

[42] The TWU submits that what it describes as ‘an anomaly’ between the prescribed 8 hours per day and 7 hours per day between clauses 14.4, 14.6(a)(ii) and 14.6(b) is likely to cause confusion in respect of the appropriate daily ordinary hours of work in the oil distribution sector. The TWU proposes that clause 14.4 be amended to reflect 7 hours per day consistent with those other relevant terms relating to those workers.

[43] In responding to the TWU’s submission Ai Group contends that the union appears to be seeking a potentially substantive change to the award without advancing any compelling reason.

[44] As Ai Group correctly observes, all that has occurred in the context of a proposed change to clause 14.4 through the release of the most recent version of the Exposure Draft is the replacement of the word “eight” with the numeral 8. Ai Group submits that if the change proposed by the TWU is adopted, there will be no substantive change to the entitlements under the current award. Relevantly, clause 23.4 of the current award provides that ordinary hours of work must not exceed eight hours per day. Ai Group submits that the TWU proposal would introduce an inconsistency between clause 14.4 and clause 14.6, which provides for the working of up to 7 hours and 47 minutes under an arrangement involving the accrual of RDOs.

(iii) Schedule C2

[45] Ai Group submits that it is somewhat uncertain as to the basis of the TWU’s concern relating to the rate of pay for overtime worked by a casual employee on a Sunday, as articulated in paragraphs 14 to 18 submission and then elaborated upon in paragraphs 28 to 32:

The heart of the union’s concern appears to be that rates for casuals on a Saturday or Sunday may be lower during overtime hours than ordinary hours. The union appear to be contesting that casual employees working overtime on a Sunday should receive a 10% casual loading rather than a 25% casual loading payable for ordinary hours of work and to be seeking amendments to relevant wage tables included in the Exposure Draft to overcome this proposition.

The TWU’s submissions should not be accepted. The TWU proposed amendments would cause the tables to be out of step with the entitlements provided for in the body of the instrument.

Clause 11.5 of the Exposure Draft clearly provides that a casual employee must be paid for all overtime worked at the overtime rates specified in clause 21.1 plus 10%. It also squarely provides that a casual employee will not receive the 25% casual loading whist working overtime. A helpful example of how to calculate the rates is also provided. No change to the tables is warranted in order to address the TWU’s concerns.’

Question for the TWU: The TWU will be asked to elaborate on the precise changes to the draft variation determination it seeks and the reason for those changes.

4.2.3 Transport (Cash in Transit) Award

[46] In addition to some minor corrections Ai Group raise two issues.

(i) Clause 21.8 Shift work rates – shiftworkers – afternoon shift

[47] The table at clause 21.8 in the Exposure Draft, prescribes the rate payable for ordinary hours worked during an “afternoon shift (where continues for fewer than 5 consecutive afternoons)”, and the award at clause 25.9(c) which expresses the relevant rate in the following scenario:

‘(c) Shiftworkers who work on an afternoon or night shift which does not continue for at least five consecutive afternoons or nights will be paid at the rate of time and a half for the first three hours and double time after that for each shift.’ 57

[48] Ai Group submit that the award clause, as opposed to the Exposure Draft, makes clear that the rate is payable where the shift does not continue for at least five consecutive afternoons and thus the entitlement to the higher rate is not contingent upon whether the employee works on the afternoon shift for at least five consecutive shifts. 58

[49] To avoid ambiguity, Ai Group propose the following amendment to the description of the relevant afternoon shift in the Exposure Draft (noting the underlined):

Afternoon shift (where the shift continues for fewer than 5 consecutive afternoons) 59

[50] A similar amendment is proposed for clause 21.9:

Night shift (where the shift continues for fewer than 5 consecutive nights) 60

(ii) Clause A.1.2 Summary of hourly rates – ordinary hourly rate

[51] With respect to clause A.1.2 summary of hourly rates – ordinary hourly rate, Ai Group submits that the final sentence wrongly suggests that all applicable all-purpose allowances need to be added to the rates in the tables and contradicts clause A.1.1 and the footnotes to the tables. 61

[52] As such, Ai Group propose the final sentence be amended to (noting the underlined):

… Consistent with clause A.1.1, any additional all purpose allowances need to be added to the rates in the table where they are applicable. 62

4.2.4 Waste Management Award

(i) Clause A.2.3 Full time and part time employees: Overtime

[53] Parties were asked to advise whether the following text should be added to footnote 1 in clause A.2.3:

‘Payment for work on public holidays is in addition to any amount payable in respect of the weekly wage (see clause 27.5(b)).’

[54] AI Group submits that the proposed footnote should not be inserted. 63 It submits that the footnote at clause A.2.1 is intended to reflect the current clause 32.3 of the award and refers to the weekly wage that is payable for the performance of ordinary hours of work. It submits that clause 32.4 of the award separately prescribes the amounts payable for overtime performed on a public holiday and that clause wholly regulates the amounts payable during overtime.64

[55] TWU submits that it is not necessary to include footnote #1 of A.2.1 because employees will gain the entitlement conferred in the footnote pursuant to table A.2.1. 65

[56] AWU stated in reply submissions that it disagrees with AI Group that the footnote should not be inserted. 66 It stated that clause 32.4 of the current award establishes a higher penalty for overtime than for ordinary time worked on public holidays and that this clause does not preclude the operation of clause 32.2 of the current award but rather adds to it.

[57] No other party supported the inclusion of the proposed text in footnote 1.

(ii) Clause 22.2 Annual leave

[58] Clause 22.2 provides:

22.2 During a period of annual leave an employee will receive a loading calculated on the wage rate prescribed in clause 15—Minimum rates of this award. Annual leave loading payment is payable on leave accrued and taken but it is not payable on leave paid out on termination.

The loading is as follows:

(a) Day work

Employees who would have worked on day work only had they not been on leave—17.5% or the relevant weekend penalty rates, whichever is the greater but not both.

(b) Shiftwork

Employees who would have worked on shiftwork had they not been on leave—a loading of 17.5% or the shift loading (including relevant weekend penalty rates) whichever is the greater but not both.

NOTE: Where an employee is receiving over-award payments such that the employee’s base rate of pay is higher than the rate specified under this award, the employee is entitled to receive the higher rate while on a period of paid annual leave (see sections 16 and 90 of the Act).

[59] Section 90(2) of the Act states:

‘(2) If, when the employment of an employee ends, the employee has a period of untaken paid annual leave, the employer must pay the employee the amount that would have been payable to the employee had the employee taken that period of leave.’

[60] The AWU submit that the words “but it is not payable on leave paid out on termination” in clause 22.2 should be replaced with “and is payable on leave paid out on termination” on the basis that the current wording in the Exposure Draft is inferior to the NES because s. 90(2) of the FW Act requires that the leave loading also be paid for leave accrued and paid out on termination.

5. Hearing at 9.30am on Wednesday 18 December 2019: all other Tranche 2 Awards

5.1 Timetable

[61] The timetable for the hearing scheduled for Wednesday 18 December 2019 is set out below.

9:30am (i) General issues: parties will be invited to make submissions in respect of the general issues dealt with at [7] – [19] above:

  Common corrections from Tranche 1

  Operative date

  Overtime for casuals

  Expression of numbers as numerals

  Coverage of group training organisation

(ii) Correction of minor errors: we propose to correct a number of minor errors that have been identified in the following Exposure Drafts and draft variation determinations:

  Airline Operations—Ground Staff Award 67

  Alpine Resorts Award 68

  Asphalt Industry Award 69

  Cleaning Services Award 70

  Clerks—Private Sector Award 71

  Commercial Sales Award 72

  Concrete Products Award 73

  Contract Call Centres Award 74

  Dry Cleaning Award 75

  Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award 76

  Gas Industry Award 77

  Labour Market Assistance Industry Award 78

  Local Government Industry Award 79

  Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 80

  Meat Industry Award 81

  Pastoral Award 82

  Pharmaceutical Industry Award 83

Question: Does any party take issue with any of the proposed corrections?

Question: Are there any further minor corrections?

(ii) Uncontentious awards: subject to the correction of minor errors and the resolution of the general issues it appears that there are no award specific issues in relation to the following awards:

  Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Award

  Airport Employees Award

  Clerks – Private Sector Award

  Educational Services (Post-Secondary Education) Award

  Higher Education Industry—Academic Staff—Award

  Hydrocarbons Field Geologists Award

  Mannequins and Models Award

  Maritime Offshore Oil and Gas Award

  Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award

  Professional Diving Industry (Industrial) Award

  Professional Diving Industry (Recreational) Award

  Rail Industry Award

  Restaurant Industry Award

  Stevedoring Industry Award

Question: Does any party wish to raise any award specific issues in relation to the above awards?

Award specific issues

10:00am Airline Operations – General Staff Award

Air Pilots Award

10:15am Asphalt Industry Award

Cleaning Services Award

Commercial Sales Award

Concrete Products Award

Contract Call Centres Award

Dry Cleaning and Laundry Industry Award

Gas Industry Award

Labour Market Assistance Industry Award

Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award

Meat Industry Award

Pharmaceutical Industry Award

Poultry Processing Award

Storage Services and Wholesale Award

12:30pm Conference re: Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award before Commissioner Bissett

2:00pm Higher Education Industry – General Staff Award

Higher Education Industry – Academic Staff Award

Educational Services (School) General Staff Award

2:30pm Conference re: Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award – clause 12.2 issue before Deputy President Clancy

3pm Alpine Resorts Award

Architects Award

Hospitality Award

Local Government Award

Pastoral Award

[62] The award specific issues are dealt with in more detail below.

5.2 Award specific issues

At 10:00am

5.2.1 Airline Operations—Ground Staff Award

[63] Ai Group, the AMWU, AWU, TWU and Qantas submit that the tables in Schedule B that deal with overtime for shiftworkers incorrectly state that non-continuous shiftworkers receive time and a half for work performed on a Sunday 84; the affected tables are B.2.4, B.3.4, B.4.4 and B.5.4.85

[64] It is common ground that the correct rate for work performed on a Sunday is double time for non-continuous shiftworkers, in accordance with clause 32.1(a)(ii) of the current Award. This subclause was recently inserted by the Full Bench in AM2018/15 as a result of resolving the substantive issues within the Award. 86

[65] The Exposure Draft currently provides within each of the tables, under ‘Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers’) the rates for the first two hours and after two hours for ‘Monday to Sunday’. The AMWU and AWU propose that ‘Monday to Sunday’ be amended to ‘Monday to Saturday’ and a new column providing a rate of 200% for all hours worked on a Sunday to identify the correct rates. 87

[66] Ai Group proposes to amend the tables at clauses B.2.4, B.3.4, B.4.4 and B.5.4 by:

  deleting the two columns under the heading ‘Shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers); and

  amending the heading ‘Day workers’ to read ‘Day workers and shiftworkers (except continuous shiftworkers). 88

[67] Clause 24.1(a)(i) and (ii) of the draft variation determination provides payment for overtime, as follows:

(i) for a continuous shiftworker the rate for working overtime is 200% of the ordinary hourly rate; and

(ii) for shiftworkers working on Sunday, the rate for working overtime is 200% of the ordinary hourly rate.

[68] It appears that the variation has not been reflected in the rates of pay Schedules. It is our provisional view that the draft variation determination be amended to reflect the terms of clause 24.1(a)(i) and (ii), as proposed by the parties and a new column inserted providing for 200% for all hours worked on a Sunday as proposed by the AMWU and AWU.

[69] The AMWU also submit that the tables in Schedule B do not include overtime rates for casuals. 89 The AMWU continues to rely on their position that a table of overtime rates for casuals should be inserted into the relevant Schedule B tables,90 however the AMWU notes that this matter may be dealt with by the Full Bench in AM2017/51.91 Consistent with our general approach, the award will be varied by the Full Bench in AM2017/51. After the award has been varied the variation determination will be amended.

[70] A marked-up version of the changes we propose to make to the tables at B.2.4, B.3.4, B4.4 and B.5.4 is set out at Attachment A.

[71] Ai Group raises three other issues.

(i) Schedule C.1.1

[72] Ai Group submits that the clause numbers in Schedule C.1.1 should be amended to improve clarity, as follows:

  Disability allowance – excessive fumes, noise and dust etc: 20.3(b)(i)(A)

  Disability allowance – noise and dust to a limited degree: 20.3(b)(i)(B)

[73] The AMWU and AWU agree. We agree and propose to make the amendment suggested by Ai Group.

(ii) Clause 10.3(a) Part time shiftworkers

[74] Ai Group submits that the word ‘on’ should be inserted before ‘guaranteed’. In reply, the AMWU submits that the word ‘on’ should be inserted before the word ‘the’, rather than before the word ‘guaranteed’, so that the clause reads:

‘At the time of engagement or appointment of an employee as a shiftworker, the employer and the part time employee will agree in writing on the guaranteed minimum number of ordinary hours to be worked in a week.’

[75] The AWU agrees with the AMWU’s proposal.

(iii) Clause 17.7(b) Shift penalty rates – weekends and public holidays

[76] Ai Group submits that the word ‘premiums’ should be replaced with ‘rates and allowances’ in order to reflect the terminology adopted in clauses 17.3 to 17.6.

[77] In reply the AMWU submits that the proposed change is not necessary and that the current equivalent clause refers to ‘shift premiums’. The AWU agrees with the AMWU. Consistent with the approach taken in the Tranche 1 matters it is our provisional view that Ai Group’s proposed amendment be adopted.

[78] The Qantas Group raise four additional issues.

(i) Clause 4.2 Airline Operations industry definition – Qantas reiterates its understanding that although the definition of airline operations industry has been amended, the amendments are not intended to alter the existing coverage of the award in any way.

We confirm that Qantas’ understanding is correct. The amendments to the definition of airline operations are not intended to alter the coverage of the award in any way.

(ii) Clause 18.7 Higher duties – Qantas queries whether this clause is appropriately placed within the award.

The higher duties clause in this award is placed towards the end of clause 18, Minimum rates. The AMWU notes that this is consistent with the approach taken in other modern awards (see clause 20.2 of the draft variation determination in respect of the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupation Award).

Absent a good reason for adopting a different approach in respect of this award we do not propose to vary the location of clause 18.7.

(iii) Clause 24.1(c) Payment for working overtime – Qantas submits that clause 24.1(c) deals with taking time off instead of payment for overtime and submits that it can be deleted given the overlap with clause 24.6. Ai Group raises the same point. The AMWU and AWU agree.

We agree with Qantas (and Ai Group) and propose to delete clause 24.1(c) (and renumber clause 24.1(d)).

(iv) Schedule B.5.3 Full time and part time store persons and logistics shiftworkers - Qantas submits that the rates in Schedule B.5.3 ‘appear to be incorrect’ and that the rates for 150%, 200% and 250% of the ordinary hourly rate (which is based on the minimum hourly rate) should reflect those in B.5.1. Ai Group and the AMWU submit that the rates in this table are incorrect and require recalculation. For example, 150% of the minimum hourly rates applying to Level 1 should be $31.08 and 200% of the minimum hourly rate applying to Level 1 should be $41.44. The AMWU and AWU agree.

[79] We agree with Qantas and Ai Group and propose amending the rates accordingly.

5.2.2 Air Pilots Award

[80] Qantas raises three issues in respect of the draft variation determinations.

(i) Table of facilitative provisions (clause 7.4)

[81] Qantas submits that clause 14.1(b) and clause 20.3(b)(iii) should be added as additional cross-references in the table of facilitative provisions at clause 7.4. 92 The clauses are set out below:

14. Transfers

14.1 Permanent

(b) The pilot and the employer may mutually agree in a specific case that a shorter period of time represents adequate notice.

20.3 Expense-related allowances

(b) Provision of transport and travel

(iii) Where an employer requires a pilot to layover the employer will provide accommodation and travel at no cost to the pilot. The accommodation and travel will be confirmed prior to departure from home base, or in aerial application operations, at the earliest practicable time or as otherwise agreed between the pilot and employer.

[82] We express the provisional view that the two clauses set out above should be added to the table of facilitative provisions in clause 7.4.

(ii) Schedule B.3.1

[83] Qantas further submit that the words ‘per tour of duty’ in Schedule B.3.1 should be amended to revert to the wording in previous versions of the Exposure Draft which were ‘for the tour of duty’. We express the provisional view that this change should be made. 93

(iii) Schedule F.3.2

[84] Qantas raise a question about the table in Schedule 7.3.2(b) which includes a row for ‘daily travel allowance’ and submit that they are unsure what this allowance applies to and say that they will confer with the other parties before the hearing. Qantas is asked to advise the Commission if they consider that any amendment is required to the Exposure Draft following the discussions.

[85] We note that there are a number of substantive issues currently referred to another Full Bench (AM2018/14). Clause 13 (Training – Classification) and Schedule B (Classification, Minimum Salaries and Additions to Salaries Regional Airlines) will be the subject of further submissions in those proceedings.

At 10:15am

5.2.3 Asphalt Industry Award

[86] The AWU raises three issues.

(i) Clause 19.2

[87] The AWU submits that an additional row should be added to the table at clause 19.2 for overtime work on a public holiday with a 250% rate and a four-hour minimum engagement. The proposed change is said to reflect the entitlement in clause 28.3 of the current award.

[88] The table at clause 19.2 deals with overtime rates for employees other than shiftworkers and states:

19.2 Overtime rates for employees other than shiftworkers

Where an employee works overtime the employer must pay to the employee the overtime rates as follows:

See Schedule A – Summary of Hourly Rates of Pay for a summary of hourly rates of pay including overtime and penalties.

See clause 20.5 for overtime rates for shiftworkers.

[89] In reply, Ai Group does not oppose the insertion of an additional row dealing with public holiday rates but submits that the reference to a 4 hour minimum payment would constitute a substantive change,:

‘Clause 28.3 of the award requires a 4 hour minimum for any work performed on a public holiday, regardless of whether it constitutes ordinary hours or overtime. Moreover, an employee is not entitled to a 4 hour minimum payment in respect of ordinary hours and an additional 4 hour minimum payment in respect of overtime worked on a public holiday, in circumstances where an employee works both ordinary hours and overtime on a public holiday.

Accordingly, we suggest that in the “minimum payment” column, the following words are inserted: “see clause 26.3”. Clause 26.3 provides the minimum payment period in the same terms as the current clause 28.3.’ 94

(ii) Payment for work on a public holiday

[90] The AWU submits that the ‘Payment for work on a public holiday’ clauses in the current award and the Exposure Draft are not consistent. Clause 28.3 of the current award states:

Payment for work on a public holiday

If an employee works on any of the public holidays arising from this clause or any day substituted for such public holidays the employee will be paid at the rate of double time and one half of their ordinary rate of pay, with a minimum payment of four hours at such rate.’

[91] Clause 26.2 of the Exposure Draft states:

Payment for working public holidays

Where a full-time or part-time employee works ordinary hours on a public holiday the employee will be paid 250% of the ordinary hourly rate for all time worked on the public holiday. A casual employee who works on a public holiday will be paid 250% of the casual ordinary hourly rate.’

[92] The AWU submits that clause 28.3 in the current award does not confine the 250% penalty rate to ordinary hours on public holidays – it applies equally to overtime 95 and on that basis that a public holiday column should be added to the table at clause A.2.2 with a penalty rate of 250%.96

[93] In reply, Ai Group submit that it is not clear whether the AWU is proposing a change to clause 26.2 but note that the change it has proposed to clause 19.2 would address its concern. Ai Group also notes that an alternate way of addressing this issue would be to simply delete the words ‘ordinary hours’ from clause 26.2, in lieu of making any change to clause 19.2. 97

(iii) Clauses A.2.3 and A.3.3

[94] The AWU submits that a Sunday penalty rate column has been omitted in error from the table at clauses A.2.3 and A.3.3 and that the correct penalty rate is 200%. 98

[95] In reply, Ai Group submits the change to clause A.2. is not necessary, but does not oppose the changes to A.2.3 and A.3.3. 99

[96] In its reply submission ABI agrees with the submissions of Ai Group and the AWU.

5.2.4 Cleaning Services Award

[97] In addition to correcting minor errors Ai Group raises two issues.

(i) Clause 2 Definitions – minimum hourly rate

[98] Ai Group submit that the words ‘for a full-time employee’ should be removed from the definition of minimum hourly rate. 100 The definition is as follows:

minimum hourly rate means the minimum hourly rate for a full-time employee specified in column 3, in accordance with the employee classification specified in column 1, of Table 2—Minimum rates.

[99] Ai Group submits that the purpose of the words ‘for a full time employee’ is unclear and they are potentially confusing, in particular:

  it is unclear whether they have the effect of limiting the application of the term to full time employees, which would be an unintended outcome of the definition. The term ‘minimum hourly rate’ is used throughout the Exposure Draft in respect of entitlements for full time, part time and casual employees;

  Table 2 at clause 15 does not refer to or confine the entitlement to the hourly rate there prescribed to full time employees.

[100] In reply the UWU opposes the deletion of the words ‘for a full time employee’ and submits:

‘Whilst Table 2 at clause 15 includes hurly rates, those hourly rates are not applicable to part-time or casual employees. Part time employees are entitled to a 15% allowance in accordance with clause 10.2 and casual employees are entitled to a loading of 25% in accordance with clause 11.3. Deleting the words ‘for a full time employee’ in the definition of the minimum hourly rate may mislead employers and employees as to the correct payment for part time and casual employees.’ 101

(ii) Clause 4.5(d) Coverage

[101] Ai Group submits that clause 4.5(d) should be amended as follows to address what appears to be a typographical error:

‘(d) employers of employees mentioned in clause 4.5(b d) or 4.5(c)’

[102] In reply, the UWU opposes the amendment proposed by Ai Group and submits:

‘The current exposure draft does not contain a typo. Clause 4.5(d) appropriately excludes employers of employees mentioned in clause 4.5(b) and (c). It is not appropriate to exclude employers of employees mentioned in clause 4.5(a); as such employers may also employ employees who are covered by the award.’ 102

5.2.5 Commercial Sales Award

[103] Ai Group submit that the terms ‘minimum hourly rate’ and ‘applicable minimum hourly rate set out in clause 15–Classifications and minimum rates’ have been used inconsistently and therefore have the potential to cause confusion.

[104] The Exposure Draft variously uses the phrase ‘minimum hourly rate’ and ‘applicable minimum hourly rate set out in clause 15 – Classifications and minimum rates’:

[105] Ai Group submits that, as they understand it, each of the above clauses are intended to refer to the minimum hourly rate prescribed by clause 15.1. They submit that the use of different terminology is potentially confusing and may inadvertently lead to the suggestion that the meaning to be ascribed to the phrase ‘minimum hourly rate’ must be something other than the ‘applicable minimum hourly rate set out in clause 15 – Classifications and minimum rates’.

[106] Ai Group submit that consistent terminology should be used throughout the Exposure Draft by amending the first or the second set of provisions listed above to adopt the terminology used in the other. It is noted that clauses 25.3 and 25.4 use the term ‘minimum hourly rate’ and should therefore be moved to the first column above.

[107] In reply, ABI submits (contrary to Ai Group) that the use of both ‘minimum hourly rate’ and ‘applicable minimum hourly rate’ is not confusing. However, ABI does not oppose the references to ‘minimum – hourly rate’ identified by Ai Group being varied to ‘applicable minimum hourly rate’, for the sake of consistency.

[108] Clause 11.2 (a) of the Exposure Draft is as follows:

11.2 Casual loading

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

(i) the minimum hourly rate; and

(ii) a loading of 25% of the minimum hourly rate,

for the classification in which they are employed.

[109] This clause qualifies that the ‘minimum hourly rate’ referred to is the rate ‘for the classification in which they are employed’. Clauses A.1.1, A.1.2 and A.2.1 set out the classification structure and relevant rates.

[110] Clause 19.3 of the Exposure Draft is as follows:

19.3 Sunday work

An employee directed by the employer to perform any work on a Sunday will be paid at a rate of 200% of the applicable minimum hourly rate set out in clause 15— Classifications and minimum rates, with a minimum payment of 3 hours.

[111] The purpose of both types of qualifications used in these clauses is to point to the minimum hourly rate for the employee in the classification that is relevant to that employee. It is our provisional view that no amendment is necessary.

Question for Ai Group: Does Ai Group wish to press the point?

5.2.6 Concrete Products Award

[112] The Commission posed the following question at clause 11.3 of the tracked Exposure Draft published on 14 October 2019:

‘Parties are asked to confirm whether the cross reference in clause 11.3(b) to clause 11.3(c) is correct’

[113] The AWU submits that the cross-reference in clause 11.3(b) to clause 11.3(c) is incorrect and that it should be amended to ‘clause 11.3(b). 103 Ai Group agrees. We will amend the draft variation determination accordingly.

[114] The AWU raises three additional points.

(i) Clause 21.9(b)(iii) Sundays and public holidays – shiftworkers on other than continuous shift

[115] The AWU submits that the ‘Shiftworkers on other than continuous work’ subclauses at clause 21.9(b)(iii) of the Exposure Draft and the corresponding clause of the current award are inconsistent.

[116] Clause 25.9(c) of the current award is drafted as follows:

‘Where shifts commence between 11.00 pm and midnight on a Sunday or a public holiday, the time worked before midnight will not entitle the employee to the Sunday or public holiday rate, provided that the time worked by an employee on a shift commencing before midnight on the day preceding a Sunday or public holiday and extending into a Sunday or public holiday will be regarded as time worked on such Sunday or public holiday.’

[117] Clause 21.9(b)(iii) of the Exposure Draft is under the heading ‘Shiftworkers on other than continuous work’ as follows:

‘Where shifts commence between 11.00 pm and midnight on a Sunday or a public holiday, the time worked before midnight will not entitle the employee to the Sunday or public holiday rate, provided that the time worked by an employee on a shift commencing before midnight on the day preceding a Sunday or public holiday and extending into a Sunday or public holiday will be regarded as time worked on such Sunday or public holiday.’

[118] The AWU submits the provision in the current award applies equally to continuous and non-continuous work. To maintain this outcome, clause 21.9(b)(iii) of the Exposure Draft should be renumbered as clause 21.9(c) and a consequential change made to the next clause. 104

[119] Ai Group agrees with the AWU. We will amend the draft variation determination accordingly.

Question for the AWU: What is the ‘consequential change to the next clause? Just renumbering to clause 21.9(d)?

(ii) Clause B.3.2

[120] The AWU submits the heading in the table in clause B.3.2 be amended as follows: (added words underlined):

‘Monday to Sunday and public holidays’105

[121] Ai Group agrees with the AWU. We will amend the draft variation determination accordingly.

(iii) Clause B.3.3

[122] The AWU submits that a ‘Public holiday’ column should be added to the table in clause B.3.3 with a rate of 200%. 106

[123] Ai Group does not oppose the AWU submission and notes that the rates should be the same as those set out in the column currently furthest from the right.

5.2.7 Contract Call Centres Award

[124] In addition to some minor errors Ai Group raises an issue in relation to clauses B.1.1 and B.2.1.

[125] Clause B.1.1 states:

B.1.1 Full–time and part–time adult employees—all employees—ordinary and penalty rates

1 Does not apply to designated shiftworkers performing work during afternoon and night shifts.

[126] Ai Group submits that the heading of the second column (“Ordinary hours”) in the tables in clauses B.1.1 and B.2.1 be replaced with “Monday to Friday, Within spread of ordinary hours”  107 on the basis that this more accurately reflects the circumstances in which the rate prescribed is payable and better distinguishes those rates from the rates that appear in the following column.

[127] We agree with both suggested changes and propose amending the draft variation determination accordingly.

5.2.8 Dry Cleaning and Laundry Industry Award

[128] The CFMMEU – Manufacturing Division submits that it may be clearer if all the shiftwork rates for ordinary hours in clauses C.1.2 and C.1.3 are combined into a single table. It notes that this approach has been taken for casual shiftwork rates in Schedule C.3.5 and C.3.6.  108

[129] We agree with the CFMMEU – Manufacturing Division and it is our provisional view that tables C.1.2 and C.1.3 be combined. A draft table is set out below:

C.1.2 Full-time and part-time shiftworkers—ordinary and penalty rates

1 Non successive morning, afternoon or night shift – dry cleaning means an employee in a dry cleaning workplace who works on any morning, afternoon or night shift which does not continue for a period of 3 successive mornings, afternoons or nights (see clause 25.6)

[130] The insertion of this table will require consequential numbering within C.1.

5.2.9 Gas Industry Award

[131] In addition to some minor errors Ai Group raises an issue with respect to clause C.1.1 Wage-related allowances – Availability duty. Ai Group suggests that after ‘$224.25’, the Commission insert ‘(or part thereof)’ to properly reflect the bracketed element of clause 17.3(a) of the Exposure Draft. The AWU agrees.

[132] We note that the availability allowance in clause 17.3(a) is ‘$224.25 per week (or per day on a pro rata basis where an employee is required for less than a week)’. It is our provisional view that clause C.1.1 be amended as proposed by Ai Group.

[133] We also note that clause 14.1 Meal Breaks is the subject of separate proceedings in AM2018/10 (see [2019] FWCFB 4559). Once the other Full Bench issues its determination varying the award interested parties will be given an opportunity to comment on the terms in which that change is reflected in the Exposure Draft and draft variation determination.

5.10 Labour Market Assistance Industry Award

[134] The National Employment Standards (NES) provide for a range of paid leave and holiday entitlements, including paid annual leave (s.87), personal/carer’s leave (s.96) and public holidays (s.116). Except in prescribed circumstances, the cashing out of annual leave (s.93) and personal/carer’s leave (s.100) is prohibited.

[135] Section 55(1) of the Act relevantly provides that a modern award ‘must not exclude’ the NES or any provision thereof. Section 136(1)(c) provides that a modern award may only include terms that are permitted by s.55, and s.136(2)(b) prohibits terms that contravene s.55. Section 56 provides a term of a modern award has no effect to the extent that it contravenes s.55.

[136] There appears to be an NES inconsistency issue in relation to clause 10.3(d) of this award. Clause 10.3(d) states:

‘By mutual agreement between the employer and employee, a part-time employee may be paid a loading of 25% on their hourly rate and not have an entitlement to annual leave, personal/carers’ leave or payment for public holidays. Such agreement will not alter the employee’s status as part-time employee.’

[137] Commissioner McKinnon recently referred to an agreement clause in the same terms as clause 10.63(d) of the award in the course of dealing with an application to approve the Epic Employment Service Inc Enterprise Agreement 2018:

‘[3] In Canavan Building Pty Ltd a Full Bench of the Commission held that if an enterprise agreement term has the effect that employees do not receive some or all of a benefit provided by the Standards [NES], the term excludes the Standards [NES] in a way that is contrary to section 55.

[4] Clause 10.4(b) of the Agreement provides for the payment of a 25% loading in lieu of an entitlement to paid leave and public holidays for part-time employees as follows:

‘By mutual agreement between the Employer and Employee, a part-time employee may be paid a loading of 25% on their hourly rate and not have an entitlement to paid leave or payment for public holidays except for their accrued long service leave. Such agreement will not alter the employee’s status as a part-time employee.’’

[5] The term reflects an equivalent term in clause 10.3(d) of the Labour Market Assistance Industry Award 2010 …

[6] The effect of clause 10.4(b) of the Agreement is that part-time employees can elect to forgo their entitlement to paid leave and paid public holidays in return for a loaded hourly rate of pay. The value of the loading is more than the value of the leave and holiday entitlements it is intended to displace. As it results in some or all of the benefit provided by the Standards [NES] not being provided to relevant employees, clause 10.4 excludes each of the Standards [NES] identified in paragraph [2] at least in part.’ 109

[138] In Canavan Building Pty Ltd 110 the Full Bench concluded that the expression ‘paid annual leave’ as used in Division 6 of Part 2-2 of the Act means annual leave with pay, in the sense that the pay is provided together with the leave. In broad terms, the Agreement provided for annual leave to be paid as a loading upon or incorporated into the hourly rate of pay, so that annual leave would be notionally paid for in advance as a component of the payment made for work performed. The Full Bench concluded that the Agreement was contrary to s.55(1) in two interrelated respects:

(i) it excluded the entitlement to ‘paid annual leave’ in s.87(1); and

(ii) it excluded the requirement for payment in respect of annual leave in s.90(1).

[139] The Full Bench also considered that the scheme of ‘pre-payment’ of annual leave in the Agreement constituted cashing out of annual leave in a manner inconsistent with s.93 of the Act.

[140] In light of the above, it is our provisional view that clause 10.3(d) of the award is inconsistent with s.55 of the Act and that the clause should be deleted from the award. Consequential amendments will need to be made to the Exposure Draft and draft variation determination.

5.2.11 Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award

[141] The AMWU raises two issues.

(i) Clause 11.2

[142] Clause 11.2 states:

11.2 Casual loading

(a) For working ordinary time, a casual employee must be paid:

(i) the ordinary hourly rate for the work being performed; plus

(ii) a loading of 25% of the ordinary hourly rate.

(b) The casual loading constitutes part of the casual employee’s all-purpose rate.

(c) The resulting rate is the casual ordinary hourly rate.

(d) The 25% casual loading in clause 11.2 does not apply to vehicle manufacturing employees in the technical field covered by clause 4.8(a)(ix). The casual loading for these employees is prescribed in clause 46 in Part 9 – Vehicle manufacturing employees of this award.

[143] The AMWU raises a concern with the way clause 11.2 is expressed and organised in the context of the way references to the calculation of penalties and loadings in other parts of the Exposure Draft have been changed from “time and a half” and “double time” to percentages of the ordinary hourly rate. 111

[144] Specifically, the AMWU’s concern is because the Exposure Draft introduces a new concept of casual ordinary hourly rate’ and provides that overtime and other penalties are to be calculated as a percentage of the ‘ordinary hourly rate’, ‘may have the effect of causing employers to mistakenly interpret the new award as meaning that the relevant overtime and penalties are calculated on the ‘ordinary hourly rate’ and not the ‘casual ordinary hourly rate’. 112

[145] The AMWU does not cavil with having separate definitions of ‘ordinary hourly rate’ and ‘casual ordinary hourly rate’; indeed it argues that it is necessary to have separate definitions as the ‘concepts have specific and distinct work to do for casuals’. 113 The AMWU goes on to submit:

‘The confusion arises because of the way overtime and penalty rates are expressed. For example, clause 31.1 states:

(a) Weekend work

Where agreement is reached in accordance with clause 17.2(c):

(i) The rate to be paid to a day worker for ordinary time worked between midnight on Friday and midnight on Saturday will be 150% of the ordinary hourly rate.

(ii) The rate to be paid to a day worker for ordinary time worked between midnight on Saturday and midnight on Sunday will be 200% of the ordinary hourly rate.

As it can be seen from the above example there is no distinction in the relevant clause as to how the calculation is conducted between casual and non-casual employees. For the discerning employer, any confusion about the calculation of penalty rates for employers will ultimately be clarified by clause C.3.1 which provides:

“The casual ordinary hourly rate applies for all purposes and is used to calculate penalties and overtime”. 114

however, the AMWU contends that there is merit in making the award simpler and easier to understand by clarifying the distinct way of calculating penalties for casual and non-casual employees in the body of the award.’

[146] In a previous submission the AMWU proposed that all relevant references to the calculation of penalties or loadings throughout the Exposure Draft be changed to X% of the ordinary hourly rate to X% of the ordinary hourly rate/casual ordinary hourly rate.

[147] In reply, CPSU agrees with Ai Group’s proposed variation to the heading in clauses B.1.1. and B.2.1. 115

[148] The AMWU concedes that its earlier proposed approach may be cumbersome and submits that the same affect could be achieved by a more minimalist approach, by amending clause 11.2 as follows (proposed changes marked up using strike through and underline):

11.2 Casual loading

(a) For working ordinary time, a casual employee must be paid:

(i) the ordinary hourly rate for the work being performed; plus

(ii) a loading of 25% of the ordinary hourly rate.

(a) The casual loading constitutes part of the casual employee’s all purpose rate.

(b) The resulting rate is the casual ordinary hourly rate.

(c) Where this award refers to a penalty rate or shift loading as being calculated as a percentage of the ordinary hourly rate, that reference will (for a casual employee) instead be taken to be a reference to the casual ordinary hourly rate.

(e) (d) The 25% casual loading in this clause 11.2 does not apply to vehicle manufacturing employees in the technical field covered by clause 4.8(a)(ix). The casual loading for these employees is prescribed in clause 46 in Part 9— Vehicle manufacturing employees of this award. 116

[149] The AMWU contends that amending the Exposure Draft in the way proposed will ensure that the new award is simple and easy to understand. The AMWU further considers that the proposed changes should not be controversial considering the Group 1 Full Bench has already confirmed that in respect of the Manufacturing Award, penalties compound on the casual loading and the relevant employer groups have confirmed they agree that that the casual loading compounds in the Manufacturing Award as part of the AM2017/51 Overtime for Casuals proceedings. 117

[150] In reply, ABI acknowledges the apparent difficulty with the definition of ‘ordinary hourly rates’ and agree that this needs to be resolved. 118

[151] In reply, Ai Group submits that the changes proposed by the AMWU are unnecessary and submits:

‘The issue raised by the AMWU is adequately dealt with in clause 11.2(b) of the exposure draft. In addition, the hourly rates payable to casual employees when working shifts and overtime are set out in Schedule C.’ 119

(ii) Schedule C – C.1.1 Table of Rates

[152] The AMWU notes that the reference made to “Full-time and part time employees other than afternoon and night shift workers” within Schedule C – C.1.1 Table of Rates, appears “superfluous” as the existing heading, located five rows above, captures those employees. 120 Further, the AMWU notes that there is no existing percentage figure corresponding to “Overtime on a public holiday” and proposes that 250% be inserted into that column, consistent with the cross-reference and in accordance with clause 31.7(a).121 The AWU make a similar point.122

[153] Clause 31.7(a) states:

(a) A day worker required to work overtime on a public holiday must be paid 250% of the ordinary hourly rate until the employee is relieved from duty with a minimum payment of 3 hours.

[154] The table at clause C.1.1 states:

Question for the AMWU/AWU: How is it proposed that the table be amended?

[155] In reply, Ai Group agrees with the submission made by the AMWU. 123

[156] ABI raises two issues.

(i) Clause 4.4

[157] ABI submits that the phrase “This award covers any employer which supplies labour on an on-hire basis in the manufacturing and associated industries and occupations industry (or industries)” in clause 4.4 of the award is unclear. 124 It proposes to replace that phrase with the following wording:

‘This award covers any employer which supplies labour on an on-hire basis in the manufacturing and associated industries.’  125

[158] Ai Group and the AMWU agree with ABI’s submission and proposed amendment. The AWU disagrees with ABI’s proposed amendments and suggests reverting to the wording in the current award.

(ii) Table C.3.2(a)

[159] ABI submits that explanation of what the ‘100%’ casual rate is in the table in clause C.3.2(a) is unclear.  126 Specifically, ABI submits that the text stating that the casual rates are ‘based on’ 25% casual loading is not clear. ABI proposes varying these words to provide that casual rates are inclusive of 25% casual loading. They submit that this would decrease the likelihood that a reader of the award may interpret this table as requiring an additional 25% casual loading to be applied to the ‘100%’ rate. 127

[160] Ai Group agrees with ABI’s submission.

[161] The AMWU and AWU do not agree with ABI and submit that the amendments proposed are unnecessary. The AMWU submits:

‘The AMWU does not agree that this is not clear that the rates in the table in C.3.2(a) are inclusive of the casual loading. The table states that the rates constitute that they are the ‘casual minimum hourly rate’. Whilst that is not a defined term in the award, the tables also state that they are “based on 25% casual loading in accordance with clause 11.2(a))”’. 128

[162] Ai Group raises 13 discrete issues.

(i) Clause 31.3 Unrelieved shiftwork on rostered day off

[163] Ai Group submits that there is some inconsistency between the ‘Unrelieved shiftwork on rostered day off’ clauses in the Exposure Draft at clause 31.3(b) and the corresponding clause of the current award (clause 40.2(e)). Clause 40.2(e) of the award applies only to shiftworkers, and to avoid any ambiguity, Ai Group proposes that the following minor amendment should be made to clause 31.3(c):

‘If an employee a shiftworker is required to work on their rostered day off because of the absence of a relieving employee, the unrelieved shiftworker must be paid 200% of the ordinary hourly rate for all hours worked on their rostered day off.’ 129

[164] In reply the AMWU submits that the proposed change is not necessary.

(ii) Table C.1.1 Table of rates – casual minimum hourly rate

[165] The table at clause C.1.1 is set out above (see [154]).

[166] Ai Group contends that the expression ‘minimum casual ordinary hourly rate’ in the heading in the table at C.1.1 is likely to confuse readers of the award, given its similarity to the expression ‘casual ordinary hourly rate’ which is a defined term in the award and has a different meaning. The expression ‘casual minimum hourly rate’ is a more appropriate term. This term is defined in clause C.3.1. 130

[167] Ai Group submits that a similar amendment should be made to the heading of the second column in the table in clause C.1.2. 131

[168] In reply, the AMWU agrees that the term ‘minimum casual ordinary hourly rate’ is liable to confuse users but rather than changing the column to ‘casual minimum hourly rate’ the AMWU proposes it be changed to ‘casual ordinary hourly rate’, because the relevant penalties in the table at C.1.1 are calculated on the ordinary hourly rate (which for a casual is the casual ordinary hourly rate).

[169] In reply, the AWU does not agree with the proposition that the heading requires amendment and submits:

‘The expression ‘casual minimum hourly rate’ is not more appropriate as it does not accurately reflect the entitlements in the award. Penalties and overtime in the award are calculated on the casual ordinary hourly rate, not on the ‘casual minimum hourly rate.’’ 132

(iii) Table C.1.1 Table of Rates – additional clause references

[170] Ai Group submits that the following clause references should be added to the table in clause C.1.1:  133

[171] The AMWU agrees with Ai Group.

[172] We will amend the table of rates as proposed by Ai Group.

(iv) Clause C.2 Full time and part time employees’ hourly rates – footnote

[173] Ai Group submits that the following amendment should be made to footnote 1 in clauses C.2 and C.3.2(a) on the basis that these rates are only relevant to vehicle manufacturing employees covered by clause 4.8(a)(ix), not all vehicle manufacturing employees covered by the Award:  134

‘Rates in bold are for Vehicle Manufacturing employees covered by clause 4.8(a)(ix) only

[174] This submission is repeated with respect to clause C.3.2(a).

[175] In reply, the AMWU notes that the cross reference proposed by Ai Group ‘appears to be incorrect’. Ai Group refers to clause 4.8(a)(ix), however that clause does not deal with vehicle manufacturing at all, rather it is an ancillary part of the traditional manufacturing award coverage. Clauses 4.8(a)(xi) and (xi) deal with vehicle manufacturing. The AWU makes a similar submission.

[176] The AMWU notes that this raises a broader issue with the Exposure Draft and ‘many/all of the references to 4.8(a)(ix) may need to be reconsidered.

[177] We note that clause 4.8(a)(ix) is referred to in the following clauses in the Exposure Draft:

  Clause 11.2(d)

  Clause 17.3(a)

  Clause 17.4(a)

  Clause 17.5(b)(i)

  Clause 18.1(c)

  Clause 18.2(a)

  Clause 18.3

  Clause 20.5(b)

  Clause 20.5(c)(i)

  Clause 20.5(d)

  Clause 20.5(d)(i)

  Clause 25.1

  Clause 25.2

  Clause 29.1(c)(i)

  Clause 29.1(d)(i)

  Clause 29.2(c)(i)

  Clause 29.3(k)(ii)

  Clause 29.3(w)(i)

  Clause 29.5(d)

  Clause 31.3(a)

  Clause 31.4

  Clause 31.8(a)

  Clause 31.11(a)

  Clause 31.12(a)

  Clause 31.13(a)

  Clause 32.2(a)

  Clause 45

  Clause A.2

  Clause B.1

  Clause C.1.1

(v) Clause 3.2(b) Casual rates based on 17.5% casual loading for certain vehicle manufacturing employees in the technical field

[178] Ai Group submits that the heading in clause C.3.2(b) needs to be clarified for this table to avoid confusion because only a very small cohort of employees are entitled to a 17.5% loading. The heading should be:  135

Casual rates – based on a 17.5% casual loading for certain vehicle manufacturing employees in the technical field covered by clause 4.8(a)(ix) - , in accordance with See clause 11.2(d) and clause 46.1.

[179] In reply, the AMWU is not opposed to clarifying via a footnote the classifications entitled to the 17.5% loading but notes that the cross reference to clause 4.8(a)(ix) appears to be incorrect. The AWU makes a similar submission.

[180] Ai Group also submits that the words ‘+17.5%’ in the second column in the table in C.3.2(b) should be deleted to avoid confusion. The 17.5% casual loading is referred to in the heading row above and is incorporated within the definition of ‘casual minimum hourly rate’. 136 The AMWU agrees with this submission. We also agree and will make the amendment proposed by Ai Group.

(vi) Clause D.1.2 Wage related allowances

[181] Ai Group submits that the preamble in clause D.1.2 should be amended as follows:  137

‘See clause 29 – Allowances and special rates for full details of wage-related allowances payable under this award. In addition, clause 52 deals with certain additional or alternative wage-rated allowances for vehicle manufacturing employees covered by clause 4.8(a)(ix) of the award.’

[182] In reply, the AMWU is not opposed to this proposal but repeats its previous submissions about the correct cross reference. The AWU makes a similar submission.

(vii) Clause D.1.3 Wage related allowances – Special rates

[183] Ai Group submits that the preamble in clause D.1.3 should be amended as follows:  138

‘See clause 29 – Allowances and special rates for full details of wage-related allowances – special rates payable under this award. In addition, clause 52 deals with certain additional or alternative wage-rated allowances – special rates for vehicle manufacturing employees covered by clause 4.8(a)(ix) of the award.

[184] In reply, the AMWU is not opposed to this proposal but repeats its previous submissions about the correct cross reference. The AWU makes a similar submission.

[185] Ai Group submits that the words ‘per hour unless otherwise stated’ should be deleted from the heading for column 4 because column 5 deals with the period of payment. The AMWU and AWU are not opposed to this proposal. We agree and will make the proposed change.

[186] Ai Group also submits that the following wage-related allowances – special rates are missing from the table in clause D.1.3:  139

[187] The AMWU is supportive of the identified special allowances being added, but repeats its submission about the appropriate cross references. The AWU makes a similar submission.

(viii) Clause D.2.1 Expense related allowances

[188] Ai Group submits that the preamble in clause D.2.1 should be amended as follows:  140

‘See clause 29 – Allowances and special rates for full details of expense-related allowances payable under this award. In addition, clause 52.1 and clause 55.4 deal with certain alternative expense-rated allowances for vehicle manufacturing employees covered by clause 4.8(a)(ix) of the award.

[189] In reply, the AMWU is not opposed to this proposal but repeats its previous submissions about the correct cross reference. The AWU makes a similar submission.

[190] Ai Group submits that the words ‘per hour unless otherwise stated’ should be deleted from the heading of column 4 because column 5 deals with the period of payment.

[191] In reply the AMWU states that it ‘does not follow this submission. Those words ‘per hour unless otherwise stated’ do not appear in the table at D.2.1.’ 141 Similarly, the AWU notes that the words Ai Group suggests should be deleted and do not appear in this table.

(ix) Clause D.2.1 Expense related allowances – tool allowance

[192] Ai Group submits that the following amendments need to be made to the tool allowance in the table at clause D.2.1 because the table currently states that apprentices are entitled to a $15.29 per week tool allowance which is not correct: 142

[193] In reply the AMWU submits that ‘it is not quite correct to say that apprentices are not entitled to a tool allowance of $15.29. They are entitled to a percentage of the $15.29 amount.’ 143 The AMWU submits that this issue should be resolved by amending the table as follows:

1. These allowances apply for all purposes of the award.

2. Tool allowance for apprentices is calculated as a percentage of this amount. See clause 29.1(c)(v) for calculating the tool allowance for apprentices.

(x) Clause D.2.1 Expense related allowances – missing allowances

[194] Ai Group submits that the following expense-related allowances are missing from the table in clause D.2.1, none of which apply for all-purposes of the award:  144

[195] The AMWU is supportive of the identified allowances being added, but repeats its previous submission regarding appropriate cross referencing. The AWU agrees that the missing allowances should be inserted in the table.

5.2.12 Meat Industry Award

[196] In addition to the correction of some minor errors, Ai Group raises three issues.

(i) Clause 7.2(a)

[197] Ai Group submits that the reference in clause 7.2(a) to clause 10.2 should be deleted as it is not a facilitative provision. Clause 10.2 simply requires that an employer and part-time employee reach agreement at the time of engagement on the employee’s hours of work. It does not “allow agreement between the employer and employees on how specific award provisions are to apply at the workplace or section or sections of it” (per clause 7.1).  145

(ii) Clause 22.1(a) Entitlement to overtime and payment

[198] Ai Group submits that there has been a substantive change to the ‘Entitlement to overtime and payment’ clause in the Exposure Draft as compared to the current award. 146

[199] Clause 36.1(a) of the current award says as follows:

‘All time worked outside ordinary working hours on any day as prescribed in clause 31—Hours of work (or in the case of a shiftworker, outside the hours rostered as ordinary shiftwork hours in accordance with clause 34—Rostering) will be deemed to be overtime and be paid for at time and a half for the first three hours and double time thereafter.’

[200] Accordingly, day workers are entitled to payment at overtime rates for time worked outside ordinary hours on any day as prescribed by clause 31. Clause 31 of the award has been reproduced at clauses 14.1 – 14.6 of the Exposure Draft. However, clause 14 of the Exposure Draft also includes:

  Clause 14.7 (Rostering); and

  Clause 14.8 (Make up time).

[201] Clause 22.1(a) of the Exposure Draft requires the payment of overtime rates to day workers for all work performed outside ordinary working hours on any day as prescribed in clause 14. This would include clauses 14.7 and 14.8. Ai Group submit that this is a substantive change to the award and particularly problematic in respect of clause 14.7. Ai Group further submits that, read together, clause 22.1(a) would appear to suggest that day workers are entitled to overtime rates for all time worked outside rostered hours which is not presently the case. Only shiftworkers are entitled to overtime rates by reference to the rostering clause (i.e. clause 14.7 in the Exposure Draft and clause 34 in the award). 147

[202] Ai Group proposes that clause 22.1(a) be amended by replacing the reference to clause ‘14’ with ‘clauses 14.1 – 14.6’. 148

(iii) Clause 25.3(b) Payment for annual leave

[203] Clause 37.3(b) of the current award states:

37.3 Payment for annual leave

(b) (b) For the purpose of ascertaining ordinary time earnings in clause 37.3(a)(i), the following are not included:

(i) (i) incentive-based payments (other than those coming within clause 24 – Payment by results);

(ii) (ii) bonuses;

(iii) (iii) loadings (other than the loading for a daily hire and part-time daily hire employee as set out in clause 14 – Daily hire);

(iv) (iv) monetary allowances;

(v) (v) overtime;

(vi) (vi) penalty payments (other than ordinary hour penalty rates for employees provided for in this award and only if the employee is regularly rostered to work on weekends); and

(vii) (vii) any other separately identifiable amounts.

[204] Clause 25.3 of the Exposure Draft states:

25.3 Payment for annual leave

(a) Before the start of an employee’s annual leave, the employer must pay the employee for the employee’s ordinary hours of work:

(i) at the employee’s ordinary time earnings for the hours the employee would have worked during the period; and

(ii) any annual leave loading payable under clause 25.5.

(b) For the purpose of ascertaining ordinary time earnings in clause 25.3(a)(i), the following are not included:

(i) incentive based payments (other than those coming within clause 18 – Payment by results);

(ii) bonuses;

(iii) loadings (other than the loading for daily hire and part-time daily hire employees as set out in clause 11.10);

(iv) monetary allowances;

(v) overtime;

(vi) penalty payments (other than ordinary hour penalty rates for employees provided for in this award and only if the employee is regularly rostered to work on weekends); and

(vii) any other separately identifiable amounts.

(c) In the event of an employee being engaged 4 weeks prior to the commencement of leave, or termination of employment, in 2 or more classifications entitling the employee to different rates of pay, the wages to be paid to the employees will be the average of the weekly wage rates for the classifications in which the employee was engaged.

NOTE: Where an employee is receiving over-award payments such that the employee’s base rate of pay is higher than the rate specified under this award, the employee is entitled to receive the higher rate while on a period of paid annual leave (see sections 16 and 90 of the Act).

[205] Ai Group submits that pursuant to clause 37.3(b) of the award, shift allowances payable pursuant to clause 33.9 do not form part of an employee’s ordinary time earnings, clause 37.3(b)(iv) excludes monetary allowances. The Exposure Draft does not prescribe shift allowances; it prescribes rates that are payable for shiftwork at clause 23.3. Ai Group submits that it appears that clause 25.3(b) does not exclude additional amounts payable to an employee for the performance of shifts. Accordingly, Ai Group contends that a new subclause under clause 25.3(b) should be inserted, excluding “shift rates”.  149

[206] ABI supports the inclusion of new columns into the tables for non-successive shifts in clauses B.5.1 and B.5.3, which refers the reader back to clause 23.3(d) (and 23.3(e) (for casuals).  150 ABI notes that if proposed amendment is made, then the words “including non-successive shifts” can be removed from the heading in Schedule B.5.2.151 Similarly, Ai Group submits that the changes proposed by the Commission to clause B.5 should be made. 152

[207] Schedules B.5.1 and B.5.3 provide as follows:

B.5 Shiftworkers

B.5.1 Full-time and part-time adult employees—minimum hourly rates and penalty rates

B.5.3 Casual adult employees— minimum hourly rates and penalty rates

5.2.13 Pharmaceutical Industry Award

[208] Ai Group raises three issues.

(i) Clause 13.2 and 13.3

[209] Ai Group refer to its submissions filed on 23 October 2019 in which it proposed various changes to clauses 13.2 and 13.3 of the Exposure Draft (at the time of the submission the relevant clauses appeared as 8.2 and 8.3, consistent with the last published version of the Exposure Draft) in response to an issue raised by the AWU during proceedings before the Full Bench on 9 October 2019.

[210] In its submissions dated 23 October 2019, Ai Group proposed to vary the clauses as follows: 153

‘8.2 Ordinary hours—day workers

(a) The ordinary hours of work for a full time day worker are an average of 38 hours per week but not exceeding 152 hours in 28 consecutive days.

(b) Ordinary hours are worked continuously, except for meal breaks and rest pauses, between 7.45 am and 5.15 pm, Monday to Friday.

(c) Where the employer and the majority of employees in the affected plant, work section or sections agree, the spread of hours may be altered by up to one hour at either end of the spread.

(d) The ordinary hours of work for a part-time employee will be in accordance with clause 6—Types of employment.

(e) The ordinary hours of work for a casual day worker are an average of up to 38 hours per week but not exceeding 152 hours in 28 consecutive days.

8.3 Ordinary hours—shiftworkers

(a) The ordinary hours of work for a full-time shiftworkers are an average of 38 hours per week but not exceeding 152 hours in 28 consecutive days.

(b) Ordinary hours must not exceed eight hours in any one day.

(c) At the discretion of the employer, ordinary hours must be worked continuously on Monday to Friday, except for meal breaks.

(d) Except at changeover of shifts, an employee must not be required to work more than one shift in each 24 hours.

(e) The ordinary hours of work for a part-time employee will be in accordance with clause 6—Types of employment.

(f) The ordinary hours of work for a casual shiftworker are an average of up to 38 hours per week but not exceeding 152 hours in 28 consecutive days.’

[211] Ai Group continues to rely on that submission and submit that the changes there proposed should be made. 154 ABI supports Ai Group’s submission.

(ii) Clauses 19.2 and 19.2 Overtime

[212] Clauses 19.1 and 19.2 of the Exposure Draft state:

19.1 Definition of overtime

(a) For a full-time or casual employee overtime is any time worked:

(i) outside the times of beginning and ending work in any one day;

(ii) within the times of beginning and ending work but in excess of 8 hours in any one day;

(iii) on a Saturday, Sunday, public holiday or rostered day off.

(b) For a part-time employee, overtime is any time worked in excess of the employee’s hours as agreed in accordance with clauses 10.2 and 10.3.

19.2 Overtime rates

Where an employee works overtime the employer must pay to the employee the overtime rates as follows:

[213] Ai Group submits that there are a number of issues arising from clauses 19.1 and 19.2. Firstly, clause 19.1 defines all time worked in the circumstances described at clauses 19.1(a)(i) – (iii) as overtime. Ai group submits that it is not clear that this would necessarily be the case under the current award. By way of example, work performed on a public holiday could, in Ai Group’s view, constitute ordinary hours under the current award. The award does not mandate that it be treated as overtime. 155

[214] Additionally, by virtue of clause 19.1(a)(iii) any work performed on a rostered day off would be treated as overtime. Ai Group submits that this is inconsistent with clause 25.5 of the current award which provides that where time is worked by an employee on an RDO, the employee is entitled to be paid either 250% or given a day off at some future date. Ai Group submits that the most common RDO arrangement involves employees working 19 x 8 ordinary hour working days and then having the 20th working day off as an RDO. For example, an employee may work 8 ordinary hours, Monday to Friday, for three weeks, and 8 ordinary hours, Monday to Thursday, in the fourth week, with Friday deemed to be the RDO. If the employee works on the Friday of the fourth week, this would be overtime in some, but not all, circumstances, as follows: 156

  If the employee is not given an alternative RDO, the time worked on the fourth Friday would be overtime;

  If the employee is given an alternative RDO at some future date (consistent with clause 25.5 in the current award), the time worked on the fourth Friday would not be overtime. Often employees wish to bank RDOs or take an RDO on an alternative date, by agreement with their employer

[215] Clause 19.2 requires the payment of the rates there described during overtime only. Ai Group submits it is potentially a substantive change to clause 25 of the award (or elements of clause 25) given that it is not expressly confined to the performance of overtime.  157

[216] Clause 19.2 appears to require a minimum payment of 3 hours on a Saturday at 150% of the minimum hourly rate and another minimum 3 hour payment at 200% of the minimum hourly rate. Ai Group submits that this is substantively different to clause 25.2 of the award, which requires a three hour minimum payment in total on a Saturday.  158

[217] Clause 25 of the current award states:

25 Overtime and penalty rates

The following rates, based on 1/38th of the weekly wage rate, must be paid for all work done:

25.1 Outside the times of beginning and ending work in any one day—150% for the first two hours and 200% thereafter.

25.2 Within the times of beginning and ending work but in excess of eight hours in any one day—150% for the first two hours and 200% thereafter for a day worker and 150% for the first three hours and 200% thereafter for a shiftworker.

25.3 On Saturday—150% for the first two hours and 200% thereafter, with a minimum payment as for three hours’ work.

25.4 On Sunday—200%, with a minimum payment as for three hours’ work.

25.5 On a rostered day off—250% or a day off instead at some future date.

25.6 On a public holiday—250%.

25.7 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 25.7.

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

(i) the number of overtime hours to which it applies and when those hours were worked;

(ii) that the employer and employee agree that the employee may take time off instead of being paid for the overtime;

(iii) that, if the employee requests at any time, the employer must pay the employee, for overtime covered by the agreement but not taken as time off, at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked;

(iv) that any payment mentioned in subparagraph (iii) must be made in the next pay period following the request.

Note: An example of the type of agreement required by this clause is set out at Schedule H. There is no requirement to use the form of agreement set out at Schedule H. An agreement under clause 25.7 can also be made by an exchange of emails between the employee and employer, or by other electronic means.

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

EXAMPLE: By making an agreement under clause 25.7 an employee who worked 2 overtime hours is entitled to 2 hours’ time off.

(e) Time off must be taken:

(i) within the period of 6 months after the overtime is worked; and

(ii) at a time or times within that period of 6 months agreed by the employee and employer.

(f) If the employee requests at any time, to be paid for overtime covered by an agreement under clause 25.7 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 paragraph (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 25.7 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 25.7 will apply, including the requirement for separate written agreements under paragraph (b) for overtime that has been worked.

Note: If an employee makes a request under section 65 of the Act for a change in working arrangements, the employer may only refuse that request on reasonable business grounds (see section 65(5) of the Act).

(k) If, on the termination of the employee’s employment, time off for overtime worked by the employee to which clause 25.7 applies has not been taken, the employer must pay the employee for the overtime at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked.

Note: Under section 345(1) of the Act, a person must not knowingly or recklessly make a false or misleading representation about the workplace rights of another person under clause 25.7.

[218] In response to the issues outlined above, Ai Group proposes the following solutions:

‘(a) Amending the heading of clause 19 to read: “Overtime and Penalty Rates”.

(b) Deleting clause 19.1(a).

(c) Relocating clause 19.1(b) to a new clause 10.5.

(d) Deleting the heading to clause 19.2.

(e) Replacing the preamble to the table with the following. Where an employee performs work described in the table below, the employer must pay the employee the corresponding rate prescribed: …

(f) Deleting all references to “overtime” in the table at clause 19.2.

(g) Amending the table in respect of Saturday rates as follows:

[219] Ai Group suggests that if the changes above are made, the heading to clause 20 should be varied to read “Shiftwork penalty rates”.  159

[220] In reply, ABI agrees that under the current award work performed on a public holiday is not automatically considered overtime and in many cases would be ordinary hours. ABI notes:

  the heading of clause 25 in the current award is ‘Overtime and penalty rates’, yet the rates in the clause are all defined as overtime in clause 19.1 of the exposure draft; and

  neither the award nor the exposure draft contain a definition of ‘rostered day off’. Whether the work performed on such a day would be ordinary hours or overtime would depend on how the employer has structured the ordinary hours of work.

[221] ABI submits that it may be appropriate to include a footnote in the tables at clauses B.2 and B.4, drawing attention to the fact that clause 19.3 allows for a future day off in lieu of payment at the 250% rate. As to clause 19.2 ABI agrees that the current drafting appears to suggest that a minimum payment of three hours applies for the first two hours worked on a Saturday, with a further minimum payment of three hours applying thereafter.

[222] ABI submits that clause 19.1 should be varied to address the issues raised – to clarify what is considered part of an employee’s ordinary hours of work and what is overtime. ABI submits that Ai Group’s proposed variations ‘do not provide any clarity in relation to this [and] should not be adopted in their current form’.

[223] The AWU generally agrees with the issues identified by Ai Group but submits that the issues raised can be resolved in a manner that is more consistent with the current award, by:

  amending clause 19.1(a)(iii) to read: ‘on a Saturday, Sunday or an RDO (unless a day off will be taken instead at a future date)’;

  amend the Saturday overtime rate table in clause 19.2 in the manner proposed by Ai Group (at [98](g)) to address the minimum engagement issue; and

  amend clause 26.2 to read:

‘Where an employee works on a public holiday, they will be paid at 250% of the minimum weekly rate.’

5.2.14 Poultry Processing Award

[224] Clause 26.1 of the current award states:

26.1 Payment for working overtime

Except as provided for in clauses 26.4 and 26.5, for all work done outside of ordinary hours, the overtime rate is 150% for the first three hours and 200% thereafter.

[225] Ai Group submit, with respect to clause 19.1 and the definition of overtime, that the clause potentially introduces the notion of an employee’s ordinary hours, or the hours that an employee ordinarily works. 160

[226] Clause 19.1 of the Exposure Draft defines overtime as

“…any work done outside of the employee’s ordinary hours provided by clause 13…”

[227] Ai Group submit that in accordance with clause 26.1 of the current award, overtime rates are payable “for all work done outside ordinary hours”. As such, Ai Group propose that clause 19.1 of the Exposure Draft be amended to better reflect the current award as follows (noting the strikethrough):

Overtime is any work done outside of the employee’s ordinary hours as provided in clause 13 – Ordinary hours of work. 161

[228] ABI supports Ai Group’s submissions.

5.2.15 Storage Services and Wholesale Award

[229] Ai Group submits that the weekly and hourly rates for ‘Wholesale employee level 4’ are incorrect and they instead reflect the ‘Storeworker grade 1 – on commencement’ rates. 162

[230] Ai group submit that the reference in clause 21.2 to clause 21 should be replaced with “clauses 21 – 23”. 163

[231] Ai Group notes that the definitions at clause 21.2 of the Exposure Draft appear at clause 24.2 of the award and the definitions are expressed as applying to “this clause”, being clause 24.  164

[232] Ai Group also notes that the defined terms are used throughout clause 24 but most relevantly in clauses 24.5 and 24.6. Clauses 24.5 and 24.6 of the award have been redrafted at clauses 22 and 23 of the Exposure Draft which are separate from clause 21. Consequently, the reference made to “this clause” does not extend the definition of the relevant terms to clauses 22 and 23. 165

At 12:30pm

5.2.16 Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award

[233] The following submissions have been made in relation to the Vehicle Manufacturing Repair Services and Retail Award Exposure Draft and draft variation determination:

  ABI 27 November 2019 at [54] – [55]

  Ai Group 27 November 2019 at [140] – [161] and 9 December 2019 at [56]-[80]

  Motor Trades Organisations 27 November 2019 and 9 December 2019

  AMWU 27 November 2019

[234] The matters raised in the submissions will be the subject of a conference before Commissioner Bissett at 12:30pm on Wednesday 18 December 2019. Interested parties are asked to confer about the proposed changes outlined in the submissions, prior to the conference.

At 2:00pm

5.2.17 Higher Education Industry—General Staff—Award

[235] The Go8 rely on their submissions filed in the Overtime for Casuals matter, 166 in relation to clause 12 and 22 and the rates of pay for casual staff in Schedule B and recognise their submissions will be considered by that Full Bench.167

[236] As noted by the Go8 the pre-existing casual conversion clauses will not be redrafted. 168

5.2.18 Educational Services (Schools) General Staff Award

[237] In the 14 October 2019 decision  169 we set out an issue that had been raised by ISV as follows:

[151] Independent Schools Victoria (ISV) makes a submission in relation to the definition of a ‘night shift’ in clause 15. In short, ISV is of the view that the multiple spreads of ordinary hours in clause 9.5 of the Award and definition of a ‘night shift’, in clause 15.1(c) as finishing at 6am, irrespective of the starting time of the relevant spread of ordinary hours, has created a situation where an overnight shift cannot be defined as a night shift in some circumstances.

[152] ISV proposes a variation to clause 15.1(c) as follows:

‘(c)’ night shift is a shift which is not a day shift and which finishes after midnight and at or before the commencement of the relevant spread of ordinary hours identified in clause 9.5, which may be varied by clause 9.6.’

[153] The IEU has not yet responded to ISV’s submission; the Commission will write to the IEU inviting them to do so. If the proposal is contested it will be referred to a separate, substantive issues, Full Bench.

[238] On 5 December 2019, the IEU responded to the ISV’s submission. The IEU support the ISV submission and have undertaken to provide a draft determination giving effect to the changes by 9 December 2019. 170

[239] A draft determination is yet to be filed.

[240] The Associations of Independent Schools (the Associations) raise 4 matters.

(i) Clause 12.2

[241] The formula in clause 12.2(b) of the Exposure Draft provides as follows:

The adjusted annual salary for an employee is:

A = C x (working weeks + 4 weeks’ annual leave)

52.18

Where:

A means the employee’s adjusted annual salary

C means the annual salary (as contained in clause 17 – Minimum rates) for the employee’s classification

Working weeks means the number of weeks that the employee is required to work

[242] We note that the formula in clause 12.2(b) is in the same terms as the formula in clause 11.2(b) of the current award.

[243] The Associations express concern in relation to clause 12.2 and the way in which the C value in the formula is defined. The Exposure Draft currently defines C as “means the annual salary (as contained in clause 15 – Minimum wages) for the employee’s classification”, 171 however AIS notes that the annual salary in clause 15 is specified for a full-time employee.172

[244] In particular, the Associations submits that the C value could be incorrectly interpreted to mean that it can only be applied to full-time employees and does not contemplate an adjusted annual salary for part time employees. 173

[245] Consequently, the Associations propose the formula be amended as follows:

C* means the annual salary (as contained in clause 15 – Minimum wages) for the employee’s classification

*Note: The value of C is to be adjusted to a pro rata amount of the prescribed relevant annual salary where an employee is engaged part-time (i.e. for less than 38 ordinary hours per week). 174

[246] The Associations also propose an amendment to clause 16.1 as follows (noting the underlined): 175

‘An employee who is engaged or rostered to work a shift of more than 5 hours will be entitled to an unpaid meal break of not less than 30 consecutive minutes no later than 5 hours after starting work.’

[247] ABI makes a number of observations in relation to the Associations’ concern and to the operation of clause 12.2 generally:

1. Unlike the minimum weekly rate, the annual salary in clause 17.1 is not expressed to apply to full-time employees. It may be appropriate to amend the heading of the table in clause 17.1 to clarify that this is the case.

2. Clause 12.2 applies to employees who are required to take leave without pay during non-term weeks in accordance with clause 12.1.

3. ABI notes that the purpose of the annualised salary is not explicitly set out in the exposure draft but it can be inferred from clause 12.2(d) that, unless otherwise agreed in writing, such employees are to be paid an annual salary in equal instalments each pay period. This results in: (a) employees continuing to receive payments during pay periods that contain non-term weeks; and (b) employees receiving proportionally less pay for each hour worked during pay periods that contain term weeks. By virtue of the definition in clause 10.1(b), all such employees are part time, notwithstanding the fact that they may work 38 hours per week during term-time.

[248] ABI questions whether clause 12.2 is inconsistent with clause 10.2, which states:

‘A part-time employee will be paid the minimum hourly rate for the relevant classification in clause 17—Minimum rates for each hour worked.’

[249] ABI submits that it may be appropriate to add in a subclause at the start of clause 12.2 stating that:

‘Notwithstanding clause 10.2, an employee who is required to take leave without pay during non-term weeks is to be paid an annual salary in equal instalments each pay period.’

[250] In relation to formula in clause 12.2(b), ABI agree with the Associations that it should be amended to avoid ambiguity and proposes an alternative amendment:

‘C means:

(i) where the employee works 38 ordinary hours per week during term weeks - the annual salary for the employee's classification (as contained in clause 17-Minimum rates); or

(ii) where the employee works less than 38 ordinary hours per week during term weeks - the minimum hourly rate for the employee's classification (as contained in clause 17-Minimum rates) multiplied by the employee's weekly ordinary hours multiplied by 52.18 and rounded to the nearest dollar amount.’

[251] Finally, ABI notes that the example provided at the end of clause 12 also contains an error. It states that ‘Brad is a full-time employee’. As Brad is required to take leave without pay during non-term weeks he falls within the definition of a part-time employee as set out in clause 10.1(b). ABI proposes that the words ‘Brad is a full-time employee’ should be replaced with ‘Brad works 38 hours per week during term weeks’.

[252] In reply, the IEU does not agree with the Associations proposed variation to the formula and submits:

‘The exposure draft clause is the existing clause. There is no evidence that the use of the existing clause has been misinterpreted or has created problems in respect of part time employees.’ 176

[253] A conference in relation to the clause 12.2 issues will be conducted by Deputy President Clancy at 2:30 pm on Wednesday 18 December 2019.

[254] In the absence of agreement between the parties we do not propose to deal with the Associations proposed variation to the formula for calculating annual salary for an employee on leave without pay during term weeks as part of these Tranche 2 proceedings. If the Associations wish to pursue the matter further they should file an application to vary the award.

(ii) Unpaid meal break provisions

[255] The meal break provision in the Exposure Draft is as follows:

16.1 Unpaid meal breaks

An employee will be entitled to an unpaid meal break of 30 minutes no later than 5 hours after starting work.

[256] The meal break provision in the current award is as follows:

24.1 Meal break

An employer is required to provide an unpaid meal break of not less than 30 consecutive minutes to an employee who is engaged or rostered to work for more than five hours on a day. Such meal break will start no later than five hours after the employee commenced work on that day.

[257] The Associations express concern regarding the current unpaid meal break provision, particularly, the entitlement to 30 minutes, not to 30 consecutive minutes, and the deletion of the words ‘not less than’. 177 AIS submits that the deletion of ‘not less than’ the entitlement could be interpreted as an unpaid meal break cannot be longer than 30 minutes, despite schools regularly having between 40 and 60 minutes for meal breaks.178 The Associations propose the reinstatement of the words ‘consecutive’ and ‘not less than’.

[258] With respect to the entitlement to an unpaid meal break arising ‘no later than five hours after starting work’, AIS submit that ‘after starting work’ should be clarified. 179 The Associations state, in the interests where broken shifts are worked, there should be greater clarity, as the entitlement to an unpaid meal break only arises after five hours.180

[259] In reply, ABI supports the reinstatement of the words ‘no less than’ and do not oppose the reinstatement of the word ‘consecutive’ but question whether it is required noting that:

‘The singular expression of ‘an unpaid meal break’ indicates that the 30 minutes must be taken consecutively.’ 181

[260] The IEU opposes the variation proposed by the Associations and submits:

‘The proposed variation does not make the award term clearer. Instead it appears designed to diminish the existing entitlement by denying a lunch break to some employees working a broken shift.’ 182

(iii) Clause 21.3 Reasonable additional hours for part time employees

[261] In relation to clause 21.3 Reasonable additional hours for part-time employees, the Associations agree that clause 21.3 of the Exposure Draft is consistent with clause 22.4 of the current award 183 but submit that clause 22.4 of the current award could be more explicit when it comes to the maximum ordinary hours that can be worked in a week.184

[262] Clause 21.3 of the Exposure Draft currently provides:

21.3 Reasonable additional hours – part-time employees

(a) An employer may require a part-time employee to work reasonable additional hours in accordance with clause 21.3.

(b) The employee will be paid for all additional hours at the applicable casual hourly rate for all hours worked that:

(i) fall within the applicable daily spread of hours in clause 14.5;

(ii) do not result in the employee working more than 8 hours on that day; and

(iii) do not result in an employee whose hours are averaged, to work more than the allowed maximum weekly ordinary hours during the averaging period.

(c) The employee will be paid for all additional hours at the applicable overtime rate in clause 21—Overtime for all hours worked that:

(i) are outside the applicable daily spread of hours in clause 14.5; and

(ii) result in the employee working more than 8 hours on that day, or

(iii) result in an employee whose hours are averaged, to work more than the allowed maximum weekly ordinary hours during the averaging period.

(d) Where additional hours are worked on a day the employee is already attending for work, the minimum casual engagement of 2 hours will not apply.

(e) Additional hours worked by a part-time employee in accordance with clause 21.3 do not accrue leave entitlements under this award or the NES.

[263] The Associations submit that in the interests of assisting employers and employees to interpret the provision surrounding reasonable additional hours, clause 21.3(b)(iii) of the Exposure Draft be replaced with:

cl.21.3(b)

(iii) do not result in an employee:

  working more than the allowed maximum weekly ordinary hours;

  working more than the allowed maximum weekly ordinary hours during the averaging period, where the employee’s hours are averaged. 185

[264] The IEU agrees with the Associations proposal to vary clause 21.3.

[265] It is our provisional view that clause 21.3 be varied as proposed by the Association.

(iv) Clause 14 – Ordinary hours of work – employees other than shiftworkers

[266] Clause 14.2 states that:

‘The ordinary hours of work for a … casual employee will be in accordance with … clause 11 – casual employees.’

[267] With respect to clause 14 regarding ordinary hours of work for employees other than shiftworkers, the Associations submit that there appears to be an inconsistency between clause 14.2 and clause 11.2(a) of the Exposure Draft, but note that this issue will be determined by the Full Bench in the overtime for casuals matter. 186

[268] ABI’s reply submission notes that clause 11 does not prescribe the ordinary hours for casual employees. ABI also submits that a draft determination filed by AIS for matter AM2017/51 contains a definition of ordinary hours for casual employees that would remedy this. The draft determination referred to by ABI proposes the following clause be inserted:

‘22.2 Subject to this clause, a casual employee’s ordinary hours of work will be a maximum of 38 hours per week.’ 187

[269] ABI raises an issue in relation to clause C.2.1 Expense related allowances.

[270] ABI submits that the words “an amount of up to” in clause C.2.1 should be deleted. 188

[271] The uniform/protective clothing allowance and laundry allowances payable under clause 19.3(c) are subject to a weekly maximum of $6.00 and $1.50 respectively. The summary table in clause C.2.1 describes the weekly cap for the uniform/protective clothing allowance as:

‘Uniform/protective clothing allowance—paid with laundry allowance—Maximum per week—an amount of up to [$6.00 per week].’

[272] Similarly, the laundry allowance (when paid in addition to the uniform/protective clothing allowance) is described as:

‘Laundry allowance—additional to uniform/ protective clothing allowance—Maximum per week—an amount of up to [$1.50 per week].’

[273] ABI submits that the allowance cap can accurately be expressed as either a “maximum per week” or “an amount of up to”, but it cannot be both. The words “an amount of up to” should be removed in rows containing the maximum weekly laundry and Uniform/protective clothing allowances. 189

[274] ABI also submits that the words “an amount of up to” is erroneous where it appears in clause C.2.1 in the row that provides a daily laundry allowance where the cost of the uniform is reimbursed by the employer. ABI submits that the allowance is fixed at a rate of $0.30 per day. 190

[275] In reply, the IEU agrees with ABI’s submission and its proposed wording. It is our provisional view that the amendments proposed by ABI be adopted.

[276] In a submission received on 5 December 2019, the Federation of Parents and Citizens Associations of NSW (Federation) seek to vary the coverage clause of the award.

[277] The Federation submits that the following amendments should:

4.1 This industry award covers employers and Parents and Citizens Association employers in the school education industry throughout Australia and their employees employed in the classifications contained in Schedule A—Classifications to the exclusion of any other modern award.

[278] It is also proposed that a definition of Parents and Citizens Association employer should then be inserted as follows:

‘Parents and citizens association employer means an incorporated or not incorporated, not-for-profit, school-based organisation consisting of parents, teachers and interested parties, established under the requisite State Education Act, for the purpose of supporting a school for the benefit of the school’s students.’

[279] In reply, the IEU submits that the Federation seek a significant variation to the award and ‘if the Commission is minded to deal with this issue it should, as a matter of fairness, be referred to a separate Full Bench and a hearing programmed for directions’. 191

[280] ABI also notes that the change in coverage proposed ‘would be substantive and fall outside of the intended scope of the technical and drafting review of Exposure Drafts.’ 192

[281] The Federation seek a significant variation to the award and (as noted by the IEU) it does so more than 2 years after the Commission issued directions requiring any party seeking a substantive change to file proposals and more than 12 months after the last of those proposals was dealt with by the Commission.

[282] We do not propose to deal with Federation’s proposal as part of these Tranche 2 proceedings. The proposal will be referred to a separate Full Bench and the matter will be programmed for a hearing in due course.

At 3pm

5.2.19 Alpine Resorts Award

[283] The AWU submits that the words “no more than 38 hours per week” in clauses 10.1(b) and 15.3 should be amended to “less than 38 hours per week”. AWU submits that if the variation is not made, a part-time employee can arguably work an average of 38 ordinary hours per week. It is submitted that this change is consistent with what was substantively agreed between the AWU and the Australian Ski Areas Association earlier in the award review.

[284] Clauses 10.1(b) and 15.3 provide:

10.1 A part-time employee:

(b) is engaged to work an average of at least 8 and no more than 38 hours per week over a work cycle of 4 weeks;

15.3 The ordinary hours of part-time employees will average at least 8 and no more than 38 hours per week over a maximum work cycle of 4 weeks.

[285] It is our provisional view that the draft variation determination be amended, as proposed by the AWU.

5.2.20 Architects Award

[286] The ACAA submit that a further amendment should be made to the table at clause 13.1 as follows: 193

[287] We agree with the addition of (full time employee) under the heading ‘Minimum annual rate’ and will amend the draft variation determination accordingly.

[288] It is our provisional view that the other proposed change be rejected. The minimum hourly rate column applies to full-time, part-time and casual employees (see clause 10).

[289] The balance of the submissions made by the ACAA relate to the issues before the substantive issues full bench (AM2018/16). That Full Bench issued a decision in this matter on 12 September 2019 which attached a draft determination. 194 Interested parties then had the opportunity to file submissions. We do not propose to deal with those issues at the hearing on 18 December 2019. The Exposure Draft will be updated when the AM2018/6 Full Bench issues a final variation determination.

5.2.21 Hospitality Industry (General) Award

[290] There are two issues in respect of this award.

(i) Clause 29.3(a)

[291] Clause 29.3 of the Exposure Draft currently states:

(a) Clause 29.3 applies where more than one penalty rate would be payable for hours worked at a particular time. The employer must pay the employee the highest of any penalty rates applicable.

(b) However, any penalty payable under clause 16 – Breaks is payable in addition to the penalty rate payable in accordance with clause 29.3(a).

[292] ABI submit that that the last sentence of clause 29.3(a) is not clear and should be re-drafted to more clearly articulate how the applicable penalty rate is to be determined. 195 ABI propose that the entirety of clause 29.3 be re-drafted as follows:

‘(a) Clause 29.3 applies where more than one penalty rate would be payable for hours worked at a particular time.

(b) Subject to clause 29.3(c), where more than one penalty rate would be payable for hours worked at a particular time, the employer must pay the employee the highest applicable penalty rate, but no other applicable penalty rate is payable.

(c) However, any penalty payable under clause 16—Breaks is payable in addition to the penalty rate payable in accordance with clause 29.3(b).’ 196

[293] In its reply submission the AHA submits that ‘the wording in clause 29.3 … is adequate’. The UWU does not oppose the re-drafted clause proposed by ABI.

(ii) Clause 16.2

[294] On 27 November 2019, the AHA made an application 197 to vary clause 16.2 to clarify the meal break entitlements. The AHA seeks to delete the heading of column 1 in Table 2 in clause 16.2 of the Exposure Draft and the following inserted in its place: “Column 1 Ordinary hours worked per shift”. The basis for the variation is to provide clarity and remove ambiguity as to the interaction between the break entitlements set out in clause 16.2 and the additional break entitlements set out in clause 16.7. The AHA submit that a similar amendment was accepted by a Full Bench in the Restaurant Industry Award 2010 (see [2019] FWCFB 7035).

[295] Clause 16 of the Exposure Draft states:

16. Breaks

16.1 Clause 16 deals with meal breaks and rest breaks and gives an employee an entitlement to them in specified circumstances.

16.2 Frequency of breaks – An employee who works the number of hours in any one shift specified in column 1 of Table 2 – Entitlements to meal and rest break(s) is entitled to a break or breaks as specified in column 2.

Table 2 – Entitlement to meal and rest break(s)

16.3 When the employer rosters an employee’s breaks, they must make all reasonable efforts to ensure that breaks are spread evenly across the employee’s shift.

16.4 Request for unpaid meal break

(a) An employee working a shift of more than 5 and up to 6 hours who elects to take an unpaid meal break must request the break in writing no later than the start of their shift. The employer must not unreasonably refuse the employee’s request.

(b) A under paragraph (a)clause 16.4(a) applies to all shifts of more than 5 hours worked by that employee unless otherwise agreed between the employee and the employer.

(c) The arrangement may be reviewed at any time.

16.5 Employer to pay higher rate if break not allowed

If, during an employee’s shift of more than 6 hours, the employer does not allow the employee to take an unpaid meal break, then the employer must pay the employee at the rate that applies under clause 16.6:

(a) from 6 hours after the employee started work on that shift;

(b) until either the employee is given a break or the shift ends.

16.6 If an employee is not allowed to take an unpaid meal break in accordance with clause 16.2 during a shift of more than 6 hours, the employer must pay the employee 50% of the employee’s ordinary hourly rate extra from the end of 6 hours after starting work until either the employee is allowed to take the break or the shift ends.

EXAMPLE Mary is a full-time employee whose ordinary hourly rate is $20.00 an hour. She is working an 8 hour shift. Under Table 2—Entitlements to meal and rest break(s), she is entitled to “an unpaid meal break of no less than 30 minutes (to be taken after the first 2 hours of work and within the first 6 hours of work)”. If she has been working for 6 hours and has not been allowed a break, then she becomes entitled to be paid the higher rate under clauses 16.5 and 16.6.

If the shift is a normal mid-week shift on which Mary is paid her ordinary hourly rate of $20.00, then from when she has worked 6 hours until she is allowed to take a break or her shift ends, the employer is to pay her:

(a) her ordinary hourly rate of $20.00;

(b) plus 50% of her ordinary hourly rate, which is $10.00.

So Mary is to be paid $30.00 an hour after she has worked for 6 hours until she is allowed to take a break or the shift ends.

If the shift is a Sunday shift on which Mary is paid 160% of her ordinary hourly rate of $20.00, then from when she has worked 6 hours until she is allowed to take a break or her shift ends, the employer is to pay her:

(a) her Sunday shift rate of $32.00 (being 160% of her ordinary hourly rate of $20.00);

(b) plus 50% of her ordinary hourly rate, which is $10.00.

So Mary is to be paid $42.00 an hour after she has worked for 6 hours until she is allowed to take a break or the shift ends.

16.7 Additional rest break

An employer must give an employee an additional paid rest break of 20 minutes if the employer requires the employee to work more than:

(a) 5 continuous hours after an unpaid meal break; or

(b) 2 hours’ overtime after the employee finishes their rostered hours.

[296] The UWU submits that the AHA’s application should be dealt with separately from the Tranche 2 process.

[297] We do not propose to deal with the AHA application as part of the Tranche 2 process. The changes proposed by the AHA are not technical and drafting matters but are substantive. The AHA’s proposals will be referred to a separate Full Bench and the matter will be programmed for a hearing in due course.

5.2.22 Local Government Industry Award

[298] In addition to correcting some minor errors and omissions the Local Government Associations raises four issues.

(i) Public holiday clauses 14.1(d) and 28

[299] The LGA submit that all provisions relating to public holidays should be contained in one clause. Clause 14 deals with rostering arrangements, and clause 14.1(d) currently states:

(d) If an accrued rostered day off falls on a public holiday as prescribed in the NES, the next working day will be substituted. Another day may be substituted by written agreement.

[300] The remaining public holiday provisions are in clause 28. The LGA submit that clause 14.1(d) should be deleted and re-inserted as a new clause 28.7.

(ii) On-call allowance – Clause 19.2(e)

[301] The LGA submit that the on-call allowance provisions have been separated in the restructure of the Exposure Draft and that this has made the provisions more difficult to navigate. In the Exposure Draft published on 14 October 2019, the following provision was moved to clause 19.2–wage related allowances:

(e) On-call allowance

An employee who is on-call in accordance with clause 21.6 will be paid an on-call allowance as follows:

(i) Monday to Friday, inclusive—$22.70 per day;

(ii) Saturday—$34.05 per day; or

(iii) Sunday or a public holiday—$45.40 per day.

[302] Clause 21.6 contains the balance of the ‘on-call’ provisions:

(a) An employee directed by the employer to be available for duty outside of the employee’s ordinary working hours will be on-call. An employee on-call must be able to be contacted and immediately respond to a request to attend work.

(b) An employee who is on-call may be paid an on-call allowance in accordance with clause 19.2(e).

(c) Call out

(i) An employee who is on-call and in receipt of an on-call allowance will be paid at the appropriate overtime rate in clause 21 for time required to attend work.

(ii) Actual time worked will be deemed to apply from the time the employee leaves home.

Remote response

(i) An employee who is in receipt of an on-call allowance and available to immediately:

  respond to phone calls or messages;

  provide advice (‘phone fixes’);

  arrange call out/rosters of other employees; and

  remotely monitor and/or address issues by remote telephone and/or computer access, will be paid the applicable overtime rate in clause 21 for the time actually taken in dealing with each particular matter.

[303] The LGA propose that clause 19.2(e) should be moved to clause 21.6(b) and that 19.2(e) should be as follows:

‘An employee who is on-call allowance will be paid an on-call allowance in accordance with 21.6.’

[304] This clause was moved during the restructure to ensure that all allowances appear together in the award.

(iii) Schedule B – Summary of hourly rates of pay

[305] The LGA submit that the current drafting of the tables in B.1.1 and B.2.1 refers to clause 22.2 to communicate that not all work areas are paid the same weekend penalty rates. The LGA submit that the award has a unique and complex hours clause (at clause 13 of the Exposure Draft) that reflects the wide range of services provided by local governments and their unique operational environments. They submit that the current drafting of the Exposure Draft has the potential to mislead employees and employers about the correct rate of pay for different groups of employees at different times.

[306] In the Exposure Draft published on 14 October 2019, clause B.1 contains two tables:

B.1.1 Full-time and part-time adult employees—ordinary and penalty rates

B.1.2 Full-time and part-time adult employees—overtime rates

1 See clause 22.2

[307] LGA propose the following amendments to the tables:

B.1 Full-time and part-time adult employees

B.1.1 Full-time and part-time adult employees – ordinary and penalty rates for employees working ordinary hours of work from Monday to Friday as provided in clause 13.1(d) and 13.1(h).

B.1.2 Full-time and part-time adult employees – ordinary and penalty rates for employees working ordinary hours of work from Monday to Sunday as provided in clause 13.1(e), 13.1(f) and 13.1(g), excluding employees engaged in community services and recreation centres.

B.1.3 Full-time and part-time adult employees – ordinary and penalty rates for employees engaged in community services and recreation centres.

B.1.4 Full-time and part-time adult employees – overtime rates

[308] LGA make a similar submission in relation to Schedule B.2 which relates to the rates for casual employees and note that these issues are currently before the Full Bench in AM2017/51–Overtime for casuals.

[309] The proposed amendments referring to the three major groups of employees with different ordinary hours and weekend penalty rates, are intended to provide more obvious direction to those reading the Schedule B tables as to the correct rate of pay at the time of the performance of the work.

[310] The LGA also note the Commission is currently considering, as a common issue, overtime for casuals (AM2017/51) and that they have made submissions with respect to this, most recently on 28 October 2019, and are waiting for the decision of the Full Bench.

[311] In the amendments proposed to clauses B.2.1, B.2.2 and B.2.3 set out above the LGA have set out the casual penalty and overtime rates to reflect their submissions in the overtime for casuals matter.

[312] Adoption of the proposed headings for the Schedule B tables, will require consequential amendments to populate the hourly rates of pay.

(iv) Schedule C–Summary of monetary allowances

[313] The wage-related allowances table in C.1.1 of Schedule C do not refer to clause 10.2(c) which provides that part-time employees receive pay and conditions on a pro rata basis, and may mislead employers to paying for example, the total weekly allowance to a part-time employee when this is ordinarily adjusted on a pro rata basis.

[314] In support of its submission, the LGA refers to the Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide for the LGIA published on 27 June 2019 (FWO Pay Guide) which contains a table of allowances that clearly stipulates calculations for the first aid and leading hand allowances as an hourly rate, as well as a maximum weekly rate.

[315] The FWO Pay Guide expresses the allowance rates as follows:

  First aid allowance: $0.42 per hour, up to a maximum of $15.89 per week;

  Leading hand allowance – Level 3 or 4 classification supervising 1-5 employees: $0.66 per hour, up to a maximum of $24.97 per week;

  Leading hand allowance – Level 3 or 4 classification supervising 6-15 employees: $0.90 per hour, up to a maximum of $34.05 per week; and

  Leading hand allowance – Level 3, 4 or 5 classification supervising more than 15 employees: $1.14 per hour, up to a maximum of $43.13 per week.

[316] The LGA submits that a new clause C.1.2 be inserted for clarity as follows:

‘The leading hand allowance in clause 19.2(a) and first aid allowance in clause 19.2(b) will be paid to part-time and casual employees on a pro rata basis.’

[317] Interested parties will be asked to address these proposals at the hearing on 18 December 2019.

5.2.23 Pastoral Award

[318] In addition to the correction of some minor errors the AWU raises five issues in relation to this award.

(i) Clause 11.7

[319] Clause 11.7 of the Exposure Draft states:

11.7 Farm and livestock hand at shearing or crutching

(a) Subject to clause 11.7(b), during any time an employee engaged on a weekly basis under Part 6—Broadacre Farming and Livestock Operations is employed in shearing or crutching operations of the principal employer, Part 9—Shearing Operations will not apply.

(b) Exception

(i) Clause 11.7(b)11.7(a) will not apply to any farm and livestock hand engaged by the week who:

  works in the employer’s shearing shed; and

  who has been engaged by the employer during the period commencing one week before the actual shearing or crutching begins; and

  who is discharged during the week after the shearing or crutching actually ends.

(ii) In the circumstances set out in clause 11.7(b)(i), the employee will be paid station hand rates when performing work covered by Part 5 of this award and shearing rates when performing work covered by Part 8 of this award.

[320] The corresponding provision in the current award is at clause 10.6 (with clause 10 dealing more broadly with all categories of employment):

10.6 Farm and livestock hand at shearing or crutching

Notwithstanding anything else contained in this award, Part 7—Shearing Operations of the award will not apply to any employee engaged to work on a weekly basis under Part 4—Broadacre Farming and Livestock Operations during any time the employee is employed in shearing or crutching operations of the principal employer. Provided that this clause will not apply to any Farm and livestock hand engaged by the week who works in the employer’s shearing shed and who has been engaged by the employer during the period commencing one week before the actual shearing or crutching begins and who is discharged during the week after the shearing or crutching actually ends. In such case, the employee will be paid station hand rates when performing work covered by Part 4 of this award and shearing rates when performing work covered by Part 7 of this award.

[321] The AWU submits that the inclusion of the ‘Farm and livestock hand at shearing or crutching’ clause (clause 11.7) within clause 11 may cause confusion because clause 11 is otherwise solely concerned with casual employees and this provision is directed at weekly employees. 198 The AWU proposes to remove the provision from clause 11.7 and insert it as a new clause 8.3 in the Exposure Draft, to avoid extensive renumbering throughout the rest of the Exposure Draft.199

[322] Clause 8 of the Exposure Draft would then read:

8. Types of employment

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

(a) full-time;

(b) part-time; or

(c) casual.

8.2 At the time of engagement an employee will inform each employee of the terms of their engagement and in particular whether they are to be full-time, part-time or casual.

11.7 Farm and livestock hand at shearing or crutching

(a) Subject to clause 11.7(b), during any time an employee engaged on a weekly basis under Part 6—Broadacre Farming and Livestock Operations is employed in shearing or crutching operations of the principal employer, Part 9—Shearing Operations will not apply.

(b) Exception

(i) Clause 11.7(b)11.7(a) will not apply to any farm and livestock hand engaged by the week who:

  works in the employer’s shearing shed; and

  who has been engaged by the employer during the period commencing one week before the actual shearing or crutching begins; and

  who is discharged during the week after the shearing or crutching actually ends.

(ii) In the circumstances set out in clause 11.7(b)(i), the employee will be paid station hand rates when performing work covered by Part 5 of this award and shearing rates when performing work covered by Part 8 of this award.

(ii) Clause 19.2

[323] Clause 19.2 of the Exposure Draft states:

19.2 Conversion to hourly entitlement

An employer may reach agreement with the majority of employees concerned to convert the annual leave entitlement in section 87 of the Act to an hourly entitlement for administrative ease (e.g. 152 hours for a full-time employee entitled to four 4 weeks’ annual leave).

[324] The AWU also submits that the example located in brackets at the end of clause 19.2 should be deleted because it has the potential to undermine the NES for the reasons identified by a Full Bench of the Commission in RACV 200.201 In reply ABI submitted that it does not consider the removal of the example necessary as it merely identifies the hourly annual leave entitlements for a 38 hour per week employee.

(iii) Clause 24

[325] The AWU also submits that the cross-reference in clause 24.3 to clause 41 was amended to clause 44. The AWU notes that the rates appear in clause 44 and clause 41 only refers the reader to clause 44. 202

(iv) Clause 38

[326] Clause 38 of the Exposure Draft states:

38. Continuous work hours – Ordinary hours and roster cycles for shiftworkers

38.1 Application of clause 3138

Clause 3138 applies to shiftworkers who work on continuous work as defined in clause 38.2.

38.2 Definition of continuous work

Continuous work means work carried on with consecutive shifts for 24 hours on each day for at least 6 days in a row without interruption (other than for breakdowns, for meal breaks or due to unavoidable causes beyond the employer’s control).

38.3 Maximum hours in certain periods

(a) In any 28 day period, a shiftworker working a shift:

(i) is not to work more than 152 ordinary hours; and

(ii) is to average 38 ordinary hours a week, including crib time.

(b) However, the employer and the majority of employees concerned may agree on a roster system that results in the weekly average of 38 ordinary hours being achieved over a period that is longer than 28 days, but no longer than 26 weeks.

38.4 Length of shifts

(a) A shiftworker is to work a shift of up to 8 ordinary hours at the times the employer requires.

(b) A shift may not be longer than 12 ordinary hours.

(c) If a shift is to be longer than 8 ordinary hours, then it is to be agreed by the employer and the majority of employees in the plant, or work section, or sections concerned.

38.5 Frequency of shifts

An employee must not be required to work more than one shift in any 24 hours, except at regular changeover of shifts.

38.6 Crib time for shiftworkers

A continuous hours shiftworker is allowed 20 minutes crib time on each shift, which is counted as time worked.

[327] The AWU submits that the reference to a “continuous hours shiftworker” in clause 38.6 should be amended to a “continuous work shiftworker” because “continuous work” is the term defined in clause 38.2. 203

(v) Schedule B

[328] The AWU notes that it has been agreed during the ‘Overtime for Casuals’ common issue proceedings that the 25% casual loading is paid on a cumulative basis for overtime hours under the current award. As a result, the AWU submits that the casual overtime rate tables can be inserted into the broadacre farming and livestock operations, pig breeding and raising and poultry farming sections of Schedule B. 204 Consistent with our general approach the award will be amended once the variation determination has been issued by the Part time and Casual Full Bench.

[329] The NFF raises four issues.

(i) Clause 17.2

[330] The table at clause 17.2 provides as follows:

17.2 Wage-related allowances

(a) All-purpose allowances

Allowances paid for all purposes are included in the rate of pay of an employee who is entitled to the allowance, when calculating any penalties or loadings or payment while they are on annual leave. The following allowances are paid for all purposes under this award:

(i) leading hand allowance (clause 17.2(b)); and

(ii) first aid allowance (clause 17.2(c)).

(b) Leading hands

(i) A leading hand in charge of two 2 or more people must be paid as follows:

(ii) The allowance contained in clause 17.2(b)(i) will apply to part-time employees on a pro-rata basis.

[331] The NFF submit that the source for the figures in this table is unknown and that the Pastoral Award 2010 presently provides for the leading hand allowance to be a percentage of the relevant employee’s salary. Clause 17.4 of the Pastoral Award currently provides:

17.4 All-purpose allowances

The following allowances apply for all purposes of this award:

(c) Leading hands

A leading hand in charge of two or more people must be paid as follows:

[332] The figures in the Exposure Draft are based on a percentage of the standard rate as set out in the current award. It is our provisional view that no amendment is necessary.

(ii) Clause 37.2

[333] Clause 37 of the Exposure Draft states:

37 Ordinary hours and roster cycles for non-shiftworkers

37.1 Maximum hours in certain periods

(a) An employee’s ordinary hours of work will be up to 8 hours a day between 6.00 am and 6.00 pm Monday to Friday.

(b) However, the employee and the employer may agree:

(i) that the employee is to work up to 12 ordinary hours in a day; and

(ii) to change the span of hours as allowed under clause 30.1(a).

(c) The employer and the majority of employees at a workplace may agree about how the 38 hour week is implemented at that workplace.

(d) In any 4 week period, a piggery attendant is not to work more than 152 ordinary hours.

37.2 Minimum payment for one week

If an employee works less than 38 hours in one week in a 4 week period, then the employer must pay the employee for 38 hours work for that week.

[334] The Commission has previously expressed its decision in regard to the redraft of this clause as follows (noting that clause 37.2 of the 14 October 2019 Exposure Draft was previously numbered 30.2):

‘[45] The NFF also submitted that clause 30.2 of the exposure draft requires the employer to pay an ‘employee’ for a 38 hour week, regardless of the hours actually worked by the ‘employee’, whereas clause 35.1 of the current award only requires an employer to ‘use its best endeavours’ to pay the employee for 38 hours. The NFF submitted that the proposed clause may have significant consequences for part-time employees, where an employee takes unpaid leave or if an employee works more than 38 hours in one week but less than 38 in the next week, as provided by a 4 weekly averaging system.

[46] The relevant part of clause 35.1 of the current award is italicised below:

‘35.1 Ordinary hours for Piggery attendants will not exceed 152 in any four week period. If an employee works less than 38 hours in one week of any four week period then the employer will use its best endeavours to ensure that the employee is paid for 38 hours work during any such week…’ (emphasis added)

[47] The wording of clause 30.2 of the plain language re-draft has been amended because the current clause is vague and aspirational in nature and does not provide an enforceable entitlement to an employee or an obligation on an employer. In previous decisions, the Commission has declined to vary awards to insert provisions which may be characterised as ‘aspirational’ and which have little or no work to do. On this basis we have decided not to revert to the current award wording.

[48] The NFF submitted that new clauses 31 – 34 are not necessary and are potentially risky because the current provisions are not a source of debate or dispute. The NFF submitted that given this, it is difficult to identify a strong rationale for introducing new provisions that may promote confusion and dispute or have other unintended consequences. The NFF submitted that the re-drafted clauses contain a number of differences to the current award provisions.’ 205 (footnotes omitted)

[335] While the NFF accepts that the language is not ideal, it submits that the intent of the current clause is clear. It obliges a piggery employer to provide 38 hours for the employee every week, except where there is legitimately nothing for the employee to do. As such, the NFF submit that the clause has “work to do” and is more than purely aspirational.

[336] The NFF submit further that if in its current form the clause is purely aspirational then changing it to a clause which clearly has operative effect goes beyond the remit of the plain English redraft.

[337] The NFF’s concern is that as redrafted, where the employer averages the work over 4 weeks, so that where the employee works only 36 hours in Week 1 — but, for example, 40 in Week 2 — the employer will still have to pay for 38 hours in Week 1. It could also affect part-time and possibly casual arrangements.

[338] Interested parties will be asked to address this point at the hearing on 18 December 2019.

[339] It also appears that the cross reference to clause 30.1(a) in clause 37.1(b)(ii) may be incorrect. It is our provisional view that the cross reference be amended to clause 37.1(a).

(iii) Clause 50

[340] The NFF submit that for consistency, the second column in the table at clause 50 should read “If not found employee” or the third column should read “If Found employee”.

[341] The relevant part of clause 50 states:

50. Minimum rates

50.1 The Minimum rates for Shearers will be:

[342] The current Pastoral Award uses the terminology ‘If found’ and ‘If not found’ in clause 45.1. It is our provisional view that the second column of the table should be amended to include the word ‘If’ before the word ‘not’.

(iv) Clause 54.8

[343] Clause 49.8 of the current award reads “subject to this award, the employer will be ready…”. The Exposure Draft has deleted “subject to this award”, a change which the NFF submits could affect the interpretation of the award:

49.8 Provision of sheep

(a) The total number of sheep to be shorn (or crutched) at the shearing (or crutching) will not be more than the maximum number agreed upon nor less than the minimum number agreed upon nor will the number of Shearers employed exceed the number agreed upon.

(b) Subject to this award, the employer will be ready to commence shearing (or crutching) on the date appointed and will keep the Shearers (or Crutchers) fully supplied with sheep until the completion of the shearing (or crutching). But the employer will not be bound to furnish the agreed minimum number of sheep or to be so ready or to so keep the employee fully supplied if prevented by any cause unavoidable by them; provided, however, that the employer will inform the employee, as soon as is reasonably possible, whether, and to what extent, the employee will be or is likely to be so prevented.

Provided also that when the employer is a contractor shearing or crutching sheep under contract with an owner or the owner’s agent, the failure of the owner or agent to keep the contractor supplied with sheep for shearing (or crutching) will not be deemed to be a cause unavoidable by the contractor unless the owner or agent is prevented from supplying sheep because of any unavoidable cause.

(Emphasis added)

[344] At the hearing, the NFF will be asked to explain the provisions of the award that may have an impact on this clause and why the words ‘subject to this award’ are necessary.

PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR715090>

Attachment A – Airline Operations Ground Staff Award – proposed amendments to Schedule B

B.2.4 Full-time and part-time aviation transport employees including shiftworkers—overtime rates

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

B.3.4 Full-time and part-time clerical, administration and support employees including shiftworkers—overtime rates

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

B.4.4 Full-time and part-time maintenance and engineering employees including shiftworkers—overtime rates

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

B.5.4 Full-time and part-time storepersons and logistics employees including shiftworkers—overtime rates

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

 1   [2019] FWCFB 6077

 2   Aircraft Cabin Crew Award 2010 and Live Performance Award 2010 moved to Tranche 3 (pursuant to paragraph [2] of decision [2019] FWCFB 6861).

 3   [2019] FWCFB 6861

 4   The Transport Awards will be heard on 17 December 2019, all other awards in Tranche 2 will be heard on 18 December 2019.

 5   Notice of listing, 18 December 2019

 6   [2019] FWCFB 7173

 7   [2019] FWCFB 7854

 8   [2017] FWCFB 3541

 9   See [2019] FWCFB 7062

 10   Ai Group submission at [3].

 11   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [7].

 12   [2019] FWCFB 7173 at [17]

 13   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [8].

 14   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [9].

 15   Plain language guidelines, 20 June 2017 at [8.8].

 16   ABI submission, 27 Novemeber 2019 at [11]

 17   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [12].

 18   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [13]-[14].

 19   AWU submission, 27 November 2019 at [6].

 20   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [16].

 21   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [17]-[19].

 22   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [20].

 23   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [21].

 24   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [7], the reference in clause 7.4(a) to clause 19 should be amended to clause 19.2; at [11], a space should be added between ‘(b)’ and ‘continuous’;

 25   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [6], in clause 21.3(e)(ii) the numeral “8” should be inserted where the word “eight” has been deleted in the first dot point.

 26   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [19], the reference in clause 7.2 to clause 16 should be amended to clause 16.1; at [20], the reference in clause 11.4(a)(i) to clause 15.1 should be amended to clause 15; at [21] the full stop should be deleted after ‘8’ and ‘9’ in the daylight savings example, these will instead be amended ‘7.5’, ‘8.5’ and ‘9.5’ as appropriate; at [22], in clause 14.2 the words ‘seven and a half’ have been struck out and not replaced, ‘7.5’ should be inserted; at [23], in clause 20.1(a) the reference to ‘clause 20.1’ should be replaced with ‘clause 20’; at [24] in clause 20.2(b)(iv) the reference to clause 20.2(b) should be amended to clause 202(b)(iv); at [25], in clause 20.5(a) the words ‘employees’ and ‘of pay’ after ‘200%’ should be deleted. ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [48], the example box under clause 13.6 includes the numbers ‘7 �’ and ‘8 �’. These should be amended to ‘7.5’ and ‘8.5’; at [49], in the second row of the table in clause B.2.1, the number ‘5 and a half’ appears - this should be amended to ‘5.5’. AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [6], the numeral ‘7.5’ in clause 14.2(a) has not been added.

 27   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [28], clause 4.5(d) should be amended so the reference to ‘clause 4.5(b) or 4.5(c)’ is ‘clause 4.5(a) to 4.5 (c); at [29] the note at the top of Schedule B has been retained in error and should be deleted.

 28   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [31], the reference to ‘clause 10.3 in clause 11.5(k)(ii) should be amended to ‘clause 10.2’. ABI’s 27 November 2019 at [26]-[27], the words ‘as it existed prior to that variation’ should be added at the end of clause 1.3 for clarity and consistency with other awards.

 29   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019

 30   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [37], the reference in clause 7.2 to clause 17 should be amended to clause 17.1; at [38] the reference to clause 11.3(c) in clause 11.3(b) should be amended to 11.3(b); at [40], in clause 13.1(b) the reference to ‘clause 13.1’ should be amended to .clause 13’. AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [14], in clause 21.7: The word “rate” is missing at the end of the sentence.

 31   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [42], the various references to “2010” may require updating; at [43], the reference to “clause 10.3” should be replaced with “clause 10.4”, consistent with clause 26.1(a) in the current award; at [44], the separate numbering of the provision under the heading ‘Rates not cumulative’ in clause 20.10 is not necessary and should be deleted; at [45], ‘penalties’ should be replaced with ‘penalty rates’ in clause 20.10. . CPSU submission in reply, 9 December 2019 at [3] agrees various references to “2010” be updated; at [3] agrees reference to clause 10.3 be replaced with clause 10.4; at [3] agrees “Rates not cumulative” should be deleted; at [3] agrees “penalties” should be replaced in clause 20.10.

 32   CFMMEU (Manufacturing) submission 6 November 2019 at [6] the cross reference in clause 11.8(i) should refer to clause 34, not clause 33; at [8]-[9]: the note appears twice in clause 20 and should only appear once.

 33  Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [33]-[34], a backwards slash has been included in error in the daily laundry allowance in clause C.2.1.

 34   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [50], the cross reference in clause 13.1(c) to ‘clause 8—Types of employment’ should be replaced with ‘clause 10—Part-time employees”; at para 53, the end of clause 20.8(g) [sic.] should be amended by adding “s” at the end of “week” and a full stop; at para 54, a space should be inserted after “Definitions” in clause C.1.1.

 35  Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [50]-[51], at clause 21.6(a) and clause D.10.1, there is a space missing between ‘4’ and ‘hours’. Also see ABI submission 27 November 2019 at [50] and [51].

 36   Local Government Associations submission, 27 November 2019 at [6], the words ‘and clause 22.3’ should be added at the end of clause 13.1(i); at [7], in clause 17.2(b), the word ‘clause’ should be inserted before ’17.2(a)’; at [8], the word ‘service’ should be amended to ‘services’ in clauses 19.2(f), 21.7(a) and 22.2(a); at [9], in clause 19.3(a)(ii) the word ‘be’ should be inserted between ‘will’ and ‘paid’; at [10.1], in clause 19.4(a)(i) the word ‘normal’ should be inserted before ‘starting’ where is first appears in the clause; at para 10.2. clause 19.4(a)(ii) should be deleted as the term is already defined in clause 2, the subsequent subclauses should then be renumbered and the cross-references within the clause amended accordingly; at para 11, in clause 20.3(c) the word ‘subclauses’ should be amended to ‘clauses at [12], in NOTE 1 to clause 23.7, a space should be inserted between ‘clause 23.7(d) and ‘may result’; at [13], in the table at C.1.1, a close parenthesis should be inserted after 3 references to ‘19.2(c)(iii)’.

 37   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at 25 and 26, the AMWU submit that clause 33.12 be deleted as it no longer exists, which will result in the renumbering of the subsequent clauses; Clause 33.12 has been retained in error and should be deleted and subsequent clauses renumbered. AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [19], the cross-reference to clause 32.2(i) should be clause 32.2(j). Ai Group submission, 27 November at [57], the words in ‘leading boiler attendant or fireperson—first class’, ‘leading boiler attendant or fireperson—second class’ and ‘ship repairs’ in clause 2 should be in bold; at [58], the number “(c)” in clause 2 should be deleted before the definition of ‘radio industry’; at [59], the date in both dot points in clause 4.8(a)(xi) and in clause 4.8(a)(xiii) should be the date when the award is varied to reflect the terms of the exposure draft; at [60], two commas should be inserted in clause 12.8(c) as follows: “the requirements of the relevant State/Territory apprenticeship authority and any requirements of the relevant industry committee, which is currently the Manufacturing and Engineering Industry Reference Committee, with respect to …; at [64], “three3 hours” appears twice as a typographical error in clause C.1.1; at para 67. an apostrophe should be placed after ‘employees’ in the title of clause C.2 at [74] and [77], the following words in the headings for column 4 in clauses D.1.3 and D.2.1 should be deleted because columns 5 deal with the period for payment: ‘per hour unless otherwise stated’

 38   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at.[52], there is a typographical error in the word ‘predictable’ in 21.6(a).. Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [82], the reference in clause 7.4 to clause 23.1(b)(ii) should be deleted, only clause 23.1(b)(i) contemplates facilitation by majority agreement, at 83, the reference in clause 23.5 to clause 32 should instead be a reference to clause 33; at [88] the reference in clause 23.5 to clause 32 should be a reference to clause 33.

 39   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [46], in the table at clause 7.2, the second column in row next to clause 50.9(d)(iv)) includes both ‘rates’ and ‘wages’ in error; delete the word ‘wages’, at [47], in clause 49.5(b)(i) [] the reference to ‘5 thousand’ should be replaced with ‘5000’. AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [23] the cross reference in clause 24.3 should be to clause 44; at [24], the cross-reference in clause 37.1(b)(ii) should be to clause 37.1(a) not clause 30.1(a).

 40   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [22]-[25], there is a formatting discrepancy with subclause 21.5. The entirety of of subclause 21.5 is indented into a single paragraph identified as 21.5(a). There are no further paragraphs in the subclause (i.e. there is no paragraph 21.5(b) or above). This is inconsistent with the ordinary modern award formatting; Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at 94 the reference in clause 2 to clause 15.1 should be replaced with “clause 15.1(a)”. Clause 15 deals with the minimum rates payable to, for example, juniors and trainees. Consistent with the current clause 3.1 of the award, however, the standard rate is the weekly wage payable to adult employees as prescribed by clause 15.1(a); at [100], the reference in clause C.1 to clause 15.1 should be replaced with “clause 15.1(a)” to ensure consistency with our suggested amendments to the definition of “standard rate” in clause 2.

 41   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [102]-[104] and [107]-[109], Ai Group submit that within clause 2 definitions, the definition of standard rate making reference to clause 15 should be replaced with clause 15.1 as clause 15 deals with minimum rates payable to employees, including juniors and trainees, whereas the standard rate payable to adult employees is prescribed by clause 15.1; the reference made to clause 15 in the definition of standard rate at clause 2, should be replaced with clause 15.1; at clause 7.2 facilitative provisions, the reference to clause 21.5 should be replaced with clause 21.5(b) as subclause (b) is the only facilitative clause; at clause 7.2 facilitative provisions, the reference made to clause 21.7 be deleted as it is not a facilitative clause; at clause 21.5(e) annual close down, the reference made to clause 21.10 appears to be an error and therefore should be replaced with clause 21.5; at clause C.1.1 wage-related allowances, the reference to clause 15 should be replaced with clause 15.1 to ensure consistency with the amendment to the definition of ‘standard rate’ in clause 2; at clause C.1.1 wage-related allowances, the ‘s’ before 17.2 be deleted.

 42   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [110], Ai Group submit that at clause 19.5(d)(ii) the housing allowance states in error that the allowance is $3.10, and the allowance should be amended to $3.15 as reflected in table D.2.1

 43   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [119], [121]-[122] and [126], Ai Group submit that at clause 7.3(a)(vi) facilitation by majority employment, the semicolon and “and” should be deleted and replaced with a full stop; at clause 20.3(f) hours of work, the reference to clause 20.3(c) appears to be made in error and should be replaced with “clause 20.3(d)”; Ai Group further submit that at clause 20.3(f), the terminology used in should be amended from “shift penalties” to “shift penalty rates” which is consistent with the changes made in clause 20.4; at clause C.1.1 wage-related allowances, the reference to clause 17.2(a) be replaced with “clause 17.2(a)(i)” for clarity.

 44   Ai Group submission 27 November 2019 at [128]-[129] insert ‘also’ in the definition of ordinary hourly rate; at [130] amend clause 15.1(e) to express the penalty/loading as a rate; at [131] replace ‘allowances’ with ‘rates’ in the preamble to clause 21.8.

 45   MTO submission, 27 November 2019 at 1, the words ‘automotive parts interpreter – specialist’ should be in bold in line with other definitions in clause 2; Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [141], in clause 7.2 the reference to ‘clause 11.6’ should be amended to ‘clause 11.6(g)’; at para 142, clause 11.6(j) has been listed under clause 7.2 and clause 7.4, it should just be listed under clause 7.4; at para 134, in the table at clause 11.4(a) the words ‘of overtime’ should be inserted in the final two rows to clarify that the rate applies to overtime; at para 144, in clause 11.4(c) the reference to ‘clause 11.4’ should be amended to ‘clause 11.4(a)’; at para 145, in clause 11.4(c) the reference to ‘clause 16.6(b)’ should be to ‘clause 16.6(c)’

 46   Ai Group’s submission 27 November 2019 at [163], in clause 11.9(c) insert ’11.9(b)’ after clause at the end the provision; at [164], the final paragraphs of clause 11.9 should be renumbered clause 11.9(h); at [165] replace ‘of’ with ‘or’ in clause 16.2(a); at [166] in clause 22.6(a) the reference to clause 22.5(a) should be replaced with a reference to clause 22.5; at [167] in clause 22.7(d) the reference to clause 22.7(a); at [168] clause 27.5(d)(iii) to be renumbered clause 27.5(c) and clauses 27.5(e) and (f) renumbered clauses 27.5(f) and (g) respectively; at [171] in the second sentence of clause B.2.2(a) ‘movement’ has been misspelt.

 47   Notice of listing, 17 December 2019

 48   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [110], Ai Group submit that at clause 19.5(d)(ii) the housing allowance states in error that the allowance is $3.10, and the allowance should be amended to $3.15 as reflected in table D.2.1.

 49   Ai Group submission 27 November 2019 at [128]-[129] insert ‘also’ in the definition of ordinary hourly rate; at [130] amend clause 15.1(e) to express the penalty/loading as a rate; at [131] replace ‘allowances’ with ‘rates’ in the preamble to clause 21.8.

 50   Ai Group’s submission 27 November 2019 at [163], in clause 11.9(c) insert ’11.9(b)’ after clause at the end the provision; at [164], the final paragraphs of clause 11.9 should be renumbered clause 11.9(h); at [165] replace ‘of’ with ‘or’ in clause 16.2(a); at [166] in clause 22.6(a) the reference to clause 22.5(a) should be replaced with a reference to clause 22.5; at [167] in clause 22.7(d) the reference to clause 22.7(a); at [168] clause 27.5(d)(iii) to be renumbered clause 27.5(c) and clauses 27.5(e) and (f) renumbered clauses 27.5(f) and (g) respectively; at [171] in the second sentence of clause B.2.2(a) ‘movement’ has been misspelt.

 51   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at paras. 38-39.

 52   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at para. 39.

 53   TWU submission Road Transport (Long Distance Operations) Award 21 November 2019 at [4] – [5]

 54   Ai Group reply submission 9 December 2019 at [51] – [55]

 55   Transcript of Proceedings, 9 October 2019, see PN474 – PN484

 56   Natroad submission, 14 October 2019, see paragraphs 4 - 5

 57   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [133].

 58   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [134].

 59   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [135]-[136].

 60   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [137].

 61   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [138].

 62   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [139].

 63   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [169].

 64   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [170].

 65   TWU submission, 21 November 2019, at [4].

 66   AWU submission in reply, 9 December 2019 at [69].

 67   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [7], the reference in clause 7.4(a) to clause 19 should be amended to clause 19.2; at [8], in clause 10.3(a) the word ‘on’ should be inserted before ‘guaranteed’; at [10]; at [11], a space should be added between ‘(b)’ and ‘continuous’;

 68   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [6], in clause 21.3(e)(ii) the numeral “8” should be inserted where the word “eight” has been deleted in the first dot point.

 69   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [19], the reference in clause 7.2 to clause 16 should be amended to clause 16.1; at [20], the reference in clause 11.4(a)(i) to clause 15.1 should be amended to clause 15; at [21] the full stop should be deleted after ‘8’ and ‘9’ in the daylight savings example, these will instead be amended ‘7.5’, ‘8.5’ and ‘9.5’ as appropriate; at [22], in clause 14.2 the words ‘seven and a half’ have been struck out and not replaced, ‘7.5’ should be inserted; at [23], in clause 20.1(a) the reference to ‘clause 20.1’ should be replaced with ‘clause 20’; at [24] in clause 20.2(b)(iv) the reference to clause 20.2(b) should be amended to clause 202(b)(iv); at [25], in clause 20.5(a) the words ‘employees’ and ‘of pay’ after ‘200%’ should be deleted. ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [46], the example box under clause 13.6 includes the numbers ‘7 �’ and ‘8 �’. These should be amended to ‘7.5’ and ‘8.5’; at [49], in the second row of the table in clause B.2.1, the number ‘5 and a half’ appears - this should be amended to ‘5.5’. AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [6], the numeral ‘7.5’ in clause 14.2(a) has not been added.

 70   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [28], clause 4.5(d) should be amended so the reference to ‘clause 4.5(b) or 4.5(c)’ is ‘clause 4.5(a) to 4.5 (c); at [29] the note at the top of Schedule B has been retained in error and should be deleted.

 71   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [31], the reference to ‘clause 10.3 in clause 11.5(k)(ii) should be amended to ‘clause 10.2’. ABI’s 27 November 2019 at [26]-[27], the words ‘as it existed prior to that variation’ should be added at the end of clause 1.3 for clarity and consistency with other awards.

 72   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019

 73   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [37], the reference in clause 7.2 to clause 17 should be amended to clause 17.1; at [38] the reference to clause 11.3(c) in clause 11.3(b) should be amended to 11.3(b); at [40], in clause 13.1(b) the reference to ‘clause 13.1’ should be amended to .clause 13’. AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [14], in clause 21.7: The word “rate” is missing at the end of the sentence.

 74   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [42], the various references to “2010” may require updating; at [43], the reference to “clause 10.3” should be replaced with “clause 10.4”, consistent with clause 26.1(a) in the current award; at [44], the separate numbering of the provision under the heading ‘Rates not cumulative’ in clause 20.10 is not necessary and should be deleted; at [45], ‘penalties’ should be replaced with ‘penalty rates’ in clause 20.10. CPSU submission in reply, 9 December 2019 at [3] agrees various references to “2010” be updated; at [3] agrees reference to clause 10.3 be replaced with clause 10.4; at [3] agrees “Rates not cumulative” should be deleted; at [3] agrees “penalties” should be replaced in clause 20.10.

 75   CFMMEU (Manufacturing) submission 6 November 2019 at [6] the cross reference in clause 11.8(i) should refer to clause 34, not clause 33; at [8]-[9]: the note appears twice in clause 20 and should only appear once.

 76  Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [33]-[34], a backwards slash has been included in error in the daily laundry allowance in clause C.2.1.

 77   Ai Group submission, 27 November at para 50, the cross reference in clause 13.1(c) to ‘clause 8—Types of employment’ should be replaced with ‘clause 10—Part-time employees”; at [53], the end of clause 20.8(g) [sic.] should be amended by adding “s” at the end of “week” and a full stop; at [54], a space should be inserted after “Definitions” in clause C.1.1.

 78  Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [50]-[51], at clause 21.6(a) and clause D.10.1, there is a space missing between ‘4’ and ‘hours’. Also see ABI submission 27 November 2019 at [50] and [51].

 79   Local Government Associations submission, 27 November 2019 at [6], the words ‘and clause 22.3’ should be added at the end of clause 13.1(i); at [7], in clause 17.2(b), the word ‘clause’ should be inserted before ’17.2(a)’; at [8], the word ‘service’ should be amended to ‘services’ in clauses 19.2(f), 21.7(a) and 22.2(a); at [9], in clause 19.3(a)(ii) the word ‘be’ should be inserted between ‘will’ and ‘paid’; at [10.1], in clause 19.4(a)(i) the word ‘normal’ should be inserted before ‘starting’ where is first appears in the clause; at [10.2]. clause 19.4(a)(ii) should be deleted as the term is already defined in clause 2, the subsequent subclauses should then be renumbered and the cross-references within the clause amended accordingly; at [11], in clause 20.3(c) the word ‘subclauses’ should be amended to ‘clauses’; at [12], in NOTE 1 to clause 23.7, a space should be inserted between ‘clause 23.7(d) and ‘may result’; at [13], in the table at C.1.1, a close parenthesis should be inserted after 3 references to ‘19.2(c)(iii)’.

 80   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at 25 and 26, the AMWU submit that clause 33.12 be deleted as it no longer exists, which will result in the renumbering of the subsequent clauses; Clause 33.12 has been retained in error and should be deleted and subsequent clauses renumbered. AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [19], the cross-reference to clause 32.2(i) should be clause 32.2(j). Ai Group submission, 27 November at para 57, the words in ‘leading boiler attendant or fireperson—first class’, ‘leading boiler attendant or fireperson—second class’ and ‘ship repairs’ in clause 2 should be in bold; at [58], the number “(c)” in clause 2 should be deleted before the definition of ‘radio industry’; at [59], the date in both dot points in clause 4.8(a)(xi) and in clause 4.8(a)(xiii) should be the date when the award is varied to reflect the terms of the exposure draft; at [60], two commas should be inserted in clause 12.8(c) as follows: “the requirements of the relevant State/Territory apprenticeship authority and any requirements of the relevant industry committee, which is currently the Manufacturing and Engineering Industry Reference Committee, with respect to …; at [64], “three3 hours” appears twice as a typographical error in clause C.1.1; at [67]. an apostrophe should be placed after ‘employees’ in the title of clause C.2 at [74] and [77], the following words in the headings for column 4 in clauses D.1.3 and D.2.1 should be deleted because columns 5 deal with the period for payment: ‘per hour unless otherwise stated’. CPSU submission in reply, 9 December 2019 at [3] agrees various references to “2010” be updated; at [3] agrees reference to clause 10.3 be replaced with clause 10.4; at [3] agrees “Rates not cumulative” should be deleted; at [3] agrees “penalties” should be replaced in clause 20.10.

 81   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [46], there is a typographical error in the word ‘predictable’ in 21.6(a). The word; at [51], at clause D.10.1 there is a space missing between ‘4’ and ‘hours’. Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at 83, the reference in clause 14.7(c) to clause 32 should instead be a reference to clause 33. This appears to be a drafting error; at [83], the reference in clause 23.5 to clause 32 should instead be a reference to clause 33. This appears to be a drafting error.

 82   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [46], in the table at clause 7.2, the second column in row next to clause 50.9(d)(iv)) includes both ‘rates’ and ‘wages’ in error; delete the word ‘wages’,at [47], in clause 49.5(b)(i) [] the reference to ‘5 thousand’ should be replaced with ‘5000’. AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [24], the cross-reference in clause 37.1(b)(ii) should be to clause 37.1(a) not clause 30.1(a).

 83   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [22]-[25], there is a formatting discrepancy with subclause 21.5. The entirety of of subclause 21.5 is indented into a single paragraph identified as 21.5(a). There are no further paragraphs in the subclause (i.e. there is no paragraph 21.5(b) or above). This is inconsistent with the ordinary modern award formatting; Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at 94 the reference in clause 2 to clause 15.1 should be replaced with “clause 15.1(a)”. Clause 15 deals with the minimum rates payable to, for example, juniors and trainees. Consistent with the current clause 3.1 of the award, however, the standard rate is the weekly wage payable to adult employees as prescribed by clause 15.1(a); at [100], the reference in clause C.1 to clause 15.1 should be replaced with “clause 15.1(a)” to ensure consistency with our suggested amendments to the definition of “standard rate” in clause 2.

 84   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at [6].

 85   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at [6] and [9], Qantas submission, 26 November 2019 at 6.

 86   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at [7]; 4 Yearly Review of Modern Awards – Airline Operations Ground Staff Award 2010 [2019] FWCFB 5619 at [111]; PR712352.

 87   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at [9].

 88   Ai Group submission 27 November 2019 at [12]-[16]

 89   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at [11].

 90   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at [12]; Transcript of proceedings 6 December 2016 at PN192

 91   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at [14].

 92   Qantas submission, 26 November 2019 at [3].

 93   Qantas submission, 26 November 2019 at [4].

 94   Ai Group reply submission, 9 December 2019 at [13]-[15]

 95   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [9].

 96   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [10].

 97   Ai Group reply submission, 9 December 2019 at [16]-[17]

 98   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [11].

 99   Ai Group reply submission, 9 December 2019 at [18]

 100   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [27].

 101   UWU submission 9 December 2019 at [3]

 102   Ibid at [4]

 103   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [12].

 104   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [14].

 105   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [15].

 106   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [16].

 107   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [46]-[47].

 108   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [17].

 109   Epic Employment Service Inc. T/A Epic Assist [2019] FWC 8142. The Agreement was subsequently approved by Commissioner McKinnon with a written undertaking that the employer undertakes that clause 10.4(b) will have no effect and will not be applied as a term of the Agreement: [2019] FWCFA 8307.

 110   [2014] FWCFB 3202

 111   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at [17].

 112   AMWU submission 27 November 2019 at [18]

 113   Ibid at [19]

 114   Exposure Draft – Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 20XX republished 14 October 2019 Clause C.3.1.

 115   CPSU submission in reply, 9 December 2019 at [3].

 116   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at [25] and [23].

 117   Correspondence from Australian Business Lawyers and Advisors to Fair Work Commission dated 10 October 2019

 118   ABI reply submission, 9 December 2019 at [44]

 119   Ai Group reply submission 9 December 2019 at [31]

 120   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at [27].

 121   AMWU submission, 27 November 2019 at [28]; Clause 31.7(a) of the Exposure Draft republished on 14 October 2019, it provides that a day worker performing work on a public holiday must be paid 250% of the ordinary hourly rate.

 122   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [20].

 123   Ai Group reply submission 9 December 2019 at [33]

 124   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [42].

 125   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [43].

 126   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [44].

 127   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [45].

 128   AMWU submission, 9 December 2019 at [68]

 129   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [61].

 130   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [63].

 131   Ibid at [66]

 132   AWU reply submission, 9 December 2019 at [40]

 133   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [65].

 134   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [68]-[69].

 135   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [70].

 136   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [71].

 137   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [72].

 138   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [73].

 139   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [75].

 140   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [76].

 141   AMWU reply submission, 9 December 2019 at [59]

 142   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [78].

 143   AMWU reply submission, 9 December 2019 at [61]

 144   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [79].

 145   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [81].

 146   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [84].

 147   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [86].

 148   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [87].

 149   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [89]-[91].

 150   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [46], there is a typographical error in the word ‘predictable’ in 21.6(a). The word; at para.51, at clause D.10.1 there is a space missing between ‘4’ and ‘hours’

 151   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [46], there is a typographical error in the word ‘predictable’ in 21.6(a). The word; at [51], at clause D.10.1 there is a space missing between ‘4’ and ‘hours’

 152   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [92].

 153   Ai Group submission, 23 October 2019 at pp. 2-3.

 154   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [95].

 155   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [97].

 156   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [97].

 157   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [97].

 158   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [98].

 159   Ai Group submission, 27 November at [99].

 160   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [105].

 161   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [106].

 162   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [120].

 163   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [123].

 164   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [124].

 165   Ai Group submission, 27 November 2019 at [124]-[125].

 166   Group of Eight Universities submission, 28 October 2019 filed in the Overtime for Casuals matter

 167   Group of Eight Universities submission, 27 November 2019 at [4].

 168   Group of Eight Universities submission, 27 November 2019 at [5].

 169   [2019] FWCFB 6935

 170   IEU submission, 5 December 2019

 171   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at 5; Clause 12.2(c) of the Exposure Draft published on 14 October 2019, defines the value of C.

 172   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at [5].

 173   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at [6].

 174   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at [7].

 175   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at [17].

 176   IEU reply submission 9 December 2019 at [4]

 177   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at [11].

 178   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at [11].

 179   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at [15].

 180   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at [16].

 181   ABI reply submission 9 December 2019 at [33]

 182   IEU reply submission 9 December 2019 at [7]

 183   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at [19].

 184   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at [20].

 185   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at [22].

 186   Associations of Independent Schools submission, 27 November 2019 at [24]-[25].

 187   AIS draft determination.

 188   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [28]-[32].

 189   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [31].

 190   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [35].

 191   IEU reply submission 9 December 2019 at [10]

 192   ABI reply submission 9 December 2019 at [19]

 193   ACAA submission, 27 November 2019 at page 1

 194   [2019] FWCFB 6138

 195   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [40].

 196   ABI submission, 27 November 2019 at [41].

 197   AHA application, 27 November 2019

 198   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [21].

 199   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [21].

 200   RACV Road Service Pty Ltd v Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union [2015] FWCFB 8554

 201   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [22].

 202   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [23].

 203   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [25].

 204   AWU submission 27 November 2019 at [26].

 205   [2018] FWCFB 6368 at [45] to [48]