ACAPMA Members are eagerly anticipating the release of the final determinations on the new wage rates from the Fair Work Commission. ACAPMA’s employment department is also anticipating the release of the final determinations and is ready to prepare and circulate the ACAPMA Quick Reference Guides for the Vehicle, Manufacturing Repair Services and Retail Award, the Road Transport and Distribution Award and the Clerks Private Sector Award.
Following the National Wage Case decision early in June 2016, draft determinations on wage changes will soon be circulated. Once the draft determinations are finalised the rates that are contained therein will be effective the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2016.
ACAPMA’s employment department produces Quick Reference Guides each year, to summarise key Award requirements, including finalised rates.
Quick Reference Guides for:
- The Road Transport and Distribution Award 2010 for fuel tanker drivers,
- The Vehicle Manufacturing Repair Services and Retail Award 2010 for console operators, roadhouse and driveway attendants, and
- The Clerks Private Sector Award 2010 for clerical staff,
will be circulated directly to ACAPMA Members once the final determinations are released.
National Wage Case
The National Wage Case decision that has been handed down resulted in the minimum wage increasing 2.4 per cent, a week to $17.70 per hour. This has a clear flow-on effect to the wage rates in all Modern Awards and thus requires all employers to review their employment instruments before the new rates come into effect on 1 July 2016.
Each year, the Fair Work Commission reviews the cost of living, economy-wide productivity indicators and the general health of the Australian economy to determine if the minimum wage rates set in the Awards are commensurate with a living wage. While not all National Wage Cases result in an increase in the minimum wage, most do.
The 2.4 per cent increase, is significantly lower than employee groups were requesting and at a historic average.
All employment instruments effected
While the National Wage Case directly changes the wage rates in the Modern Awards there is a flow on effect to all employment instruments.
Employers who use direct contracts, enterprise agreements, individual flexibility agreements or racked rates must take the time to review the wage rates contained within those instruments as the National Employment Standards, which apply to all employees, provide for the Modern Award rates to be the basis for all wage rates, regardless of instrument.
All employers need to review the base rates in their instruments to ensure they are equal to, or above the levels set in, the Modern Awards after the National Wage Case increase.
Register now so you don’t miss out
The ACAPMA Quick Reference Guides will be sent to the Principle members upon their release; however, all members are encouraged to have the responsible persons in their business, such as payroll or workplace relations managers, register to receive these Guides on their release, to ensure they receive the information in a timely fashion.
To register to receive the ACAPMA Quick Reference Guides and other key workplace relations information please email employment@acapma.com.au to add key staff to the Employment distribution list.
Here to Help
ACAPMA members are reminded that the ACAPMA Employment Professionals are available to assist with wages and Awards. For more information just call 1300 160 270.
HR Highlights are things to consider, implement and watch out for in your business. They are provided as general advice and you should seek further advice on your situation by calling 1300 160 270 and speaking to one of the ACAPMA Workplace Relations Professionals its free for members. ACAPMA membership is affordable at only $770 per year for a single site and valuable with sites gaining HR and IR advice support and representation as well as a raft of other benefits and discounts.
