WORKCHOICES - Are you ready?
The Access HR Team | 1 Jun 2006 11:27 AM
The Federal Government’s overhaul of our industrial relations system WorkChoices has come into effect as of 31st March 2006.
WorkChoices implement a national industrial relations system covering up to 85% of Australian employees including all Victorian employees and all employees of constitutional corporations.
All employers need to be aware of the changes under WorkChoices and how they will impact on their business, and be able to comply with them.
Awards will continue to apply under WorkChoices except to the extent that they are inconsistent or offer less than the new standard. If an AWA or certified agreement is implemented under Work Choices, the award becomes totally irrelevant.
Common law contracts will continue to apply under WorkChoices, however they cannot contain terms that are inferior or inconsistent with the new Standard.
The New Fair Pay & Conditions Standard
One of the main WorkChoices changes is the introduction of the new Fair Pay & Conditions Standard.
All employees, with the exception of those on current AWAs and certified agreements, must be given terms and conditions of employment that comply with the new Standard.
Under the new Standard, employees are entitled to:
- A basic minimum rate of pay for each hour worked;
- A maximum of 38 hours work per week plus reasonable additional hours;
- A minimum of 4 weeks annual leave;
- 10 days paid personal leave (sick and carer’s leave); and
- Minimum entitlements to unpaid carer’s leave, compassionate leave and parental leave.
For further information relating to the New WorkChoices please contact Anna Lane on 03 9544 1899.