MERS July Update – Increase to award rates applicable July 1

The team at Mediation and Employment Relations Services (MERS) are back to help WGCSA members with developments in Industrial Relations. Their latest update is below.

The Fair Commission has handed down its Annual National Wage decision which comes into effect on 1st July 2017. It has resulted in a 3.3% increase to the award rates which appear in the table below.  Allowances have also been adjusted and the new rates also are provided here.

If you have an Individual Flexibility Arrangement Agreement as per Clause 7 of the Award you should increase the rate of pay by 3.3% and check to ensure that the rate meets the Better Off Overall Test (“BOOT”).

If you are paying above award rates you may absorb this increase but be sure that the correct payment for overtime is also considered.  Under payment of wages claims can me lodged up to six years after the employment ceases.

The recent decision to reduce penalty rates applies to only four of the 122 awards. It does not apply to the Wine Industry Award,

You should visit the Fair Work Commission for the full version of the award at https://www.fwc.gov.au/documents/documents/modern_awards/award/ma000090/default.htm