Today the Fair Work Commission handed down its decision in the award review into casual and part-time employment. The ASU was successful in opposing employer applications that would have disadvantaged our members in the legal industry and the social and community services sector.
Legal Services Award 2010
A group of 21 law firms sought a variation to the award to reduce the minimum daily payment for casual employees from four hours to three hours. The ASU opposed this application in the Commission, arguing that this would be to the disadvantage of casual workers.
Obviously if such a change was to occur it would reduce members’ incomes significantly and impact their careers as a result of working fewer hours.
The Commission agreed with our arguments and rejected the application.
Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010
Various employer organisations applied to vary the award to change the way in which the hours of work for part time employees are fixed, eg. the ability to roster split shifts.
After consulting members about the applications, the ASU argued that the current award more than met the requirements of employers and employees, including in the context of the introduction of the NDIS.
The Commission agreed with the ASU that the current provision as it is applied in practice is reasonably flexible. This is a win for members.
Conclusion
The 378 page decision from the FWC today is very lengthy, covering many other awards and industries. We are still going through it and will report further.