On 12 September 2008, the AIRC
released exposure drafts of priority
modern awards including the Retail
Industry Award 2010.
What the ARA sought to achieve
In its submissions to the AIRC, the ARA argued for the following:- Abolition of penalty rates other than for overtime;
- Exclusion of sectors from coverage such as community
- pharmacy, hairdressing and beauty;
- Ability to average hours over a period not exceeding 12 months.
- Sensible transitional arrangements.
The ARA has consulted extensively in connection with the modernisation process before the AIRC as well as with key stakeholders including ARA members.
What the AIRC has done
It appears the AIRC has largely ignored the arguments put by employers and the draft award derives much of its content from the Victorian Shops Award and submissions put by unions. If the draft content remains largely unchanged, it will likely mean significant cost increases for many employers in the retail sector.
Some of the key terms of the proposed award include:
- 25% casual loading
- 25% penalty for evening/Saturday work
- Double time for all Sunday work
- Double time and a half for Public Holiday work
- Overtime at time and a half for the first three hours and
- double time thereafter
- Complex 12 level classification structure
- Consultation for introduction of significant change
- Dispute resolution allowing AIRC to arbitrate outcomes
- Redundancy pay for small employers
- Unclear savings and transitional provisions.
Where to from here
There is one further opportunity to consult with the AIRC during October before the final award is made in December this year. The ARA will make further submissions to the AIRC during October following further discussions with its members and other stakeholders through working party meetings. A copy of the draft retail award and accompanying statement from the AIRC can be accessed at our website at www.retail.org.au. The ARA is encouraging members to provide feedback in relation to the draft award which can be emailed to employeerelations@retail.org.au or contact us on 1300 368 041.Article courtesy of Australian Retailers Association 