The national wage case decision has been handed down and the result is that the minimum wage has increased by 2.4 per cent, writes ACAPMA.
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 July 1, 2016. ACAPMA has produced quick reference guides for members on the new pay rates and allowances.
National wage case
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.
Changes to the minimum wage have flow-on effects to the wage rates in all of the Modern Awards, and come into effect for the first pay period on or after July 1, 2016.
All employment instruments affected
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 utilise direct contracts, individual flexibility agreements or enterprise agreements must take the time to review the wage rates contained within those instruments as the national employment standards, which apply to all employees, and provide for the Modern Awards 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.
ACAPMA quick reference guides
Each year, ACAPMA produces quick reference guides on the three main awards for the downstream petroleum industry:
- 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.
- The Clerks Private Sector Award 2010 for clerical staff.
These quick reference guides provide permanent and casual rates as well as information on common allowances and the structure of penalty rates within each award and are a no-nonsense guide to the key elements of the awards. These guides have now been sent to members directly.
Here to help
ACAPMA members are reminded that the ACAPMA Employment Department is available to assist with wages and awards. For more information, email employment@acapma.com.au: it’s free for members. ACAPMA membership is affordable at only $770 per year for a single site, and valuable, with sites gaining HR advice, support and representation as well as a raft of other benefits and discounts. Click here to learn more about ACAPMA membership.
