MA000074

Poultry Processing Award 2020

 

This Fair Work Commission consolidated modern award incorporates all amendments up to and including 1 July 2024 (PR773961, PR774051, PR774129 and PR774786).

Clause(s) affected by the most recent variation(s):

2Definitions

15Minimum rates

17Allowances

Part 7—Workplace Delegates, Consultation and Dispute Resolution

26A—Workplace delegates’ rights

Schedule B—Summary of Hourly Rates of Pay

Schedule C—Summary of Monetary Allowances

Schedule D—Supported Wage System

 

Table of Contents

[Varied by PR746868, PR747390, PR750523, PR774786]

Part 1— Application and Operation of this Award. 3

1. Title and commencement 3

2. Definitions. 3

3. The National Employment Standards and this award. 4

4. Coverage. 5

5. Individual flexibility arrangements. 6

6. Requests for flexible working arrangements. 7

7. Facilitative provisions. 7

Part 2— Types of Employment and Classifications. 8

8. Types of employment 8

9. Full-time employees. 8

10. Part-time employees. 8

11. Casual employees. 9

12. Classifications. 9

Part 3— Hours of Work. 10

13. Ordinary hours of work. 10

14. Breaks. 11

Part 4— Wages and Allowances. 11

15. Minimum rates. 11

16. Payment of wages. 13

17. Allowances. 14

18. Superannuation. 15

Part 5— Overtime and Penalty Rates. 17

19. Overtime. 17

20. Penalty rates. 20

Part 6— Leave, Public Holidays. 21

21. Annual leave. 21

22. Personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave. 26

23. Parental leave and related entitlements. 27

24. Community service leave. 27

25. Family and domestic violence leave. 27

26. Public holidays. 27

Part 7— Workplace Delegates, Consultation and Dispute Resolution. 28

26A. Workplace delegates’ rights. 28

27. Consultation about major workplace change. 31

28. Consultation about changes to rosters or hours of work. 32

29. Dispute resolution. 32

Part 8— Termination of Employment and Redundancy. 33

30. Termination of employment 33

31. Redundancy. 34

Schedule A —Classification Definitions. 36

Schedule B —Summary of Hourly Rates of Pay. 41

Schedule C —Summary of Monetary Allowances. 45

Schedule D —Supported Wage System.. 47

Schedule E —Agreement for Time Off Instead of Payment for Overtime. 50

Schedule F —Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance. 51

Schedule G —Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave. 52


Part 1—Application and Operation of this Award

1.                      Title and commencement

1.1                   This award is the Poultry Processing Award 2020.

1.2                   This modern award commenced operation on 1 January 2010. The terms of the award have been varied since that date.

1.3                   A variation to this award does not affect any right, privilege, obligation or liability that a person acquired, accrued or incurred under the award as it existed prior to that variation.

2.                      Definitions

[Varied by PR733892, PR774786]

In this award, unless the contrary intention appears:

Act means the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).

adult employee means an employee 18 years of age and over.

afternoon shift means a shift of ordinary hours finishing at or after 5.00 pm or, where the ordinary hours are extended by agreement, 6.00 pm and at or before midnight.

all purposes means the payment will be included in the rate of pay of an employee who is entitled to the allowance, when calculating any penalties or loadings or payment while they are on annual leave (see clause 17.2(a)).

[Definition of casual employee inserted by PR733892 from 27Sep21]

casual employee has the meaning given by section 15A of the Act.

defined benefit member has the meaning given by the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth).

early morning shift means a shift of ordinary hours commencing at or after 2.00 am and before 4.00 am.

employee means national system employee within the meaning of the Act.

[Definition of employee organisation inserted by PR774786 from 01Jul24]

employee organisation has the meaning given by section 12 of Act.

employer means national system employer within the meaning of the Act.

[Definition of enterprise inserted by PR774786 from 01Jul24]

enterprise has the meaning given by section 12 of the Act.

exempt public sector superannuation scheme has the meaning given by the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth).

leading hand means an employee who is given by the employer, or their agent, the responsibility for directing and/or supervising the work of other persons.

MySuper product has the meaning given by the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth).

NES means the National Employment Standards as contained in sections 59 to 131 of the Act.

night shift means a shift finishing after midnight and at or before 8.00 am.

on-hire means the on-hire of an employee by their employer to a client, where such employee works under the general guidance and instruction of the client or a representative of the client.

ordinary hourly rate means the hourly rate for the employee’s classification specified in clause 15Minimum rates, plus any allowances specified as being included in the employee’s ordinary hourly rate or payable for all purposes.

permanent night shift employee is an employee who:

(a)          works night shift only; or

(b)         stays on night shift for a longer period than 4 consecutive weeks; or

(c)          works on a night shift which does not rotate or alternate with another shift or with day work so as to give the employee at least one third of their working time off night shift in each shift cycle.

poultry processing industry has the meaning given in clause 4.2.

[Definition of small business employer inserted by PR774786 from 01Jul24]

small business employer has the meaning given by section 23 of the Act.

standard rate means the minimum hourly rate for the Level 2 classification in clause 15.1.

[Definition of workplace delegate inserted by PR774786 from 01Jul24]

workplace delegate has the meaning given by section 350C(1) of the Act.

3.                      The National Employment Standards and this award

3.1                   The National Employment Standards (NES) and this award contain the minimum conditions of employment for employees covered by this award.

3.2                   Where this award refers to a condition of employment provided for in the NES, the NES definition applies.

3.3                   The employer must ensure that copies of this award and the NES are available to all employees to whom they apply, either on a notice board which is conveniently located at or near the workplace or through accessible electronic means.

4.                      Coverage

4.1                   This industry award covers employers throughout Australia in the poultry processing industry and their employees in the classifications listed in Schedule A—Classification Definitions to the exclusion of any other modern award.

4.2                   The poultry processing industry means the killing, processing, preparation, packing, wholesaling and distribution of uncooked poultry, poultry products and poultry by‑products and, where the cooking is incidental to the aforementioned, cooked poultry, poultry products and poultry by-products.

4.3                   This award covers any employer which supplies labour on an on-hire basis in the poultry processing industry in respect of on-hire employees in classifications covered by this award, and those on-hire employees, while engaged in the performance of work for a business in that industry. Clause 4.3 operates subject to the exclusions from coverage in this award.

4.4                   This award covers employers which provide group training services for trainees engaged in the poultry processing industry and/or parts of that industry and those trainees engaged by a group training service hosted by a company to perform work at a location where the activities described in clauses 4.1 and 4.2 are being performed. Clause 4.4 operates subject to the exclusions from coverage in this award.

4.5                   This award does not cover:

(a)          employees excluded from award coverage by the Act;

(b)         employees who are covered by a modern enterprise award or an enterprise instrument (within the meaning of the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 (Cth)), or employers in relation to those employees; or

(c)          employees who are covered by a State reference public sector modern award or a State reference public sector transitional award (within the meaning of the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 (Cth)), or employers in relation to those employees.

4.6                   Where an employer is covered by more than one award, an employee of that employer is covered by the award classification which is most appropriate to the work performed by the employee and to the environment in which the employee normally performs the work.

NOTE: Where there is no classification for a particular employee in this award it is possible that the employer and that employee are covered by an award with occupational coverage.

5.                      Individual flexibility arrangements

5.1                   Despite anything else in this award, an employer and an individual employee may agree to vary the application of the terms of this award relating to any of the following in order to meet the genuine needs of both the employee and the employer:

(a)          arrangements for when work is performed; or

(b)         overtime rates; or

(c)          penalty rates; or

(d)         allowances; or

(e)          annual leave loading.

5.2                   An agreement must be one that is genuinely made by the employer and the individual employee without coercion or duress.

5.3                   An agreement may only be made after the individual employee has commenced employment with the employer.

5.4                   An employer who wishes to initiate the making of an agreement must:

(a)          give the employee a written proposal; and

(b)         if the employer is aware that the employee has, or reasonably should be aware that the employee may have, limited understanding of written English, take reasonable steps (including providing a translation in an appropriate language) to ensure that the employee understands the proposal.

5.5                   An agreement must result in the employee being better off overall at the time the agreement is made than if the agreement had not been made.

5.6                   An agreement must do all of the following:

(a)          state the names of the employer and the employee; and

(b)         identify the award term, or award terms, the application of which is to be varied; and

(c)          set out how the application of the award term, or each award term, is varied; and

(d)         set out how the agreement results in the employee being better off overall at the time the agreement is made than if the agreement had not been made; and

(e)          state the date the agreement is to start.

5.7                   An agreement must be:

(a)          in writing; and

(b)         signed by the employer and the employee and, if the employee is under 18 years of age, by the employee’s parent or guardian.

5.8                   Except as provided in clause 5.7(b), an agreement must not require the approval or consent of a person other than the employer and the employee.

5.9                   The employer must keep the agreement as a time and wages record and give a copy to the employee.

5.10               The employer and the employee must genuinely agree, without duress or coercion to any variation of an award provided for by an agreement.

5.11               An agreement may be terminated:

(a)          at any time, by written agreement between the employer and the employee; or

(b)         by the employer or employee giving 13 weeks’ written notice to the other party (reduced to 4 weeks if the agreement was entered into before the first full pay period starting on or after 4 December 2013).

NOTE: If an employer and employee agree to an arrangement that purports to be an individual flexibility arrangement under this award term and the arrangement does not meet a requirement set out in section 144 then the employee or the employer may terminate the arrangement by giving written notice of not more than 28 days (see section 145 of the Act).

5.12               An agreement terminated as mentioned in clause 5.11(b) ceases to have effect at the end of the period of notice required under that clause.

5.13               The right to make an agreement under clause 5 is additional to, and does not affect, any other term of this award that provides for an agreement between an employer and an individual employee.

6.                      Requests for flexible working arrangements

[6 substituted by PR763279 ppc 01Aug23]

Requests for flexible working arrangements are provided for in the NES.

NOTE: Disputes about requests for flexible working arrangements may be dealt with under clause 29Dispute resolution and/or under section 65B of the Act.

7.                      Facilitative provisions

[Varied by PR751090; corrected by PR761391]

7.1                   A facilitative provision provides that the standard approach in an award provision may be departed from by agreement between an employer and an individual employee, or the majority of employees in the enterprise or part of the enterprise concerned.

7.2                   Facilitative provisions in this award are contained in the following clauses:

(a)          clause 13.2—Ordinary hours—day workers;

(b)         clause 13.3—Ordinary hours—shiftworkers;

(c)          clause 19.8—Time off instead of payment for overtime;

[7.2(d) deleted by PR751090; corrected by PR761391 ppc 01May23]

[7.2(e) renumbered as 7.2(d) by PR751090; corrected by PR761391 ppc 01May23]

(d)         clause 21.10—Annual leave in advance;

[7.2(f) renumbered as 7.2(e) by PR751090; corrected by PR761391 ppc 01May23]

(e)          clause 21.11—Cashing out of annual leave; and

[7.2(g) renumbered as 7.2(f) by PR751090; corrected by PR761391 ppc 01May23]

(f)           clause 26.3—Substitution of public holidays by agreement.

Part 2—Types of Employment and Classifications

8.                      Types of employment

8.1                   Employees under this award will be employed in one of the following categories:

(a)          full-time;

(b)         part-time; or

(c)          casual.

8.2                   At the time of engagement, an employer must inform each employee of the terms of their engagement and in particular whether they are to be full-time, part-time or casual.

9.                      Full-time employees

A full-time employee is engaged to work an average of 38 ordinary hours per week.

10.                 Part-time employees

10.1               A part-time employee:

(a)          is engaged to work an average of less than 38 ordinary hours per week; and

(b)         receives, on a pro rata basis, equivalent pay and conditions to those of full-time employees who do the same kind of work.

10.2               For each ordinary hour worked, a part-time employee must be paid no less than 1/38th of the minimum weekly rate for the relevant classification in this award.

10.3               The employer must inform the part-time employee of the employee’s ordinary hours of work and starting and finishing times.

10.4               A part-time employee must be engaged for a minimum of 3 consecutive hours on any day or shift.

10.5               A part-time employee’s rostered hours of work can be altered by a minimum of 48 hours’ notice. See clause 28Consultation about changes to rosters or hours of work.

11.                 Casual employees

[Varied by PR723953, PR733892]

[11.1 deleted by PR733892 from 27Sep21]

[11.2 renumbered as 11.1 by PR733892 from 27Sep21]

11.1               For each engagement, a casual employee must be paid for a minimum of 3 hours.

11.2               Casual loading

[11.3 substituted by PR723953 ppc 20Nov20; 11.3 renumbered as 11.2 by PR733892 from 27Sep21]

(a)          For each ordinary hour worked, a casual employee must be paid:

(i)           the ordinary hourly rate for the classification in which they are employed; and

(ii)         a loading of 25% of the ordinary hourly rate.

(b)         Where any other penalty is paid for working ordinary hours the calculation of such penalty must be based on the minimum hourly rate for the classification.

(c)          The casual loading is not paid for overtime or time worked on Saturday, Sunday or a public holiday.

11.3               Offers and requests for casual conversion

[11.4 renumbered as 11.3 and renamed and substituted by PR733892 from 27Sep21]

Offers and requests for conversion from casual employment to full-time or part-time employment are provided for in the NES.

NOTE: Disputes about offers and requests for casual conversion under the NES are to be dealt with under clause 29Dispute resolution.

12.                 Classifications

12.1               A description of the classifications under this award is set out at Schedule A—Classification Definitions.

Part 3—Hours of Work

13.                 Ordinary hours of work

13.1               Ordinary hours

(a)          Maximum weekly hours and requests for flexible working arrangements are provided for in the NES.

(b)         Except as provided elsewhere in this award:

(i)           the ordinary hours of work for a full-time employee are an average of 38 per week; and

(ii)         an employee will not work more than 10 ordinary hours per day or 152 over 28 days.

13.2               Ordinary hours—day workers

(a)          Ordinary hours for a day worker may be worked on any or all days, Monday to Friday. Ordinary hours may also be worked on Saturday and Sunday, subject to agreement between the employer and a majority of affected employees, or the employer and an individual employee. If agreement is reached in accordance with clause 13.2(a), the additional rates in clause 20.2 apply.

(b)         Ordinary hours of work are to be worked continuously, except for meal and rest breaks, at the discretion of the employer, between the hours of 5.00 am and 5.00 pm. The spread of hours (5.00 am to 5.00 pm) may be altered by up to one hour at either or both ends of the spread, by agreement between an employer and the majority of affected employees, or in appropriate circumstances, between the employer and an individual employee. Any change to regular rosters or ordinary hours of work is subject to the consultative provisions in clause28––Consultation about changes to rosters or hours of work.

(c)          The employer and a majority of affected employees may agree that the ordinary hours for a day worker be up to 12 hours per day.

13.3               Ordinary hours—shiftworkers

(a)          Ordinary hours for a shiftworker may be worked on any or all days, Monday to Sunday. The ordinary hours are up to 10 hours per day, inclusive of meal breaks.

(b)         The employer and a majority of affected employees may agree that the ordinary hours for a shiftworker be up to 12 hours per day, inclusive of meal breaks, worked Monday to Sunday.

(c)          Shift notice

(i)           An employee must be given at least 48 hours’ notice of a requirement to work shiftwork and any alteration to their hours of work. By agreement between an employer and an employee, the notice requirement may be waived.

(ii)         The hours for a shiftworker when fixed may be varied for breakdowns or other causes beyond the control of the employer.

(iii)       See clause 28Consultation about changes to rosters or hours of work.

14.                 Breaks

14.1               Unpaid meal breaks

An employee is entitled to an unpaid meal break of not less than 30 minutes and not more than 60 minutes to be taken not later than 6 hours after the commencement of work.

14.2               Rest breaks

(a)          Employees are entitled to either:

(i)           one rest break of ten minutes where the employee works more than 3 hours but less than or equal to 6 hours; or

(ii)         2 rest breaks of ten minutes each during a period of work greater than 6 hours.

(b)         The periods of work set out in clause 14.2(a) exclude any unpaid meal break.

14.3               Crib time

Where a shiftworker works consecutive shifts of 8 hours or longer per day, the shiftworker is entitled to a paid 20 minute crib time break instead of any other meal break provided in this award.

14.4               Rest period after overtime

The minimum rest period after working overtime is provided in clause 19.7.

Part 4—Wages and Allowances

15.                 Minimum rates

[Varied by PR720159, PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR767896, PR773961]

[15.1 varied by PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961 ppc 01Jul24]

15.1               An employer must pay adult employees the following minimum rates for ordinary hours worked by the employee:

Employee classification

Minimum weekly rate

(full-time employee)

Minimum hourly rate

 

$

$

Level 1

920.00

24.21

Level 2

944.60

24.86

Level 3

957.10

25.19

Level 4

969.60

25.52

Level 5

981.60

25.83

Level 6

1007.00

26.50

NOTE: See Schedule B—Summary of Hourly Rates of Pay for a summary of hourly rates of pay including overtime and penalty rates.

15.2               For the purposes of clause 15.1, any entitlement to a minimum rate expressed to be by the week means any entitlement which an employee would receive for performing 38 hours of work.

15.3               The following employees are not entitled to the minimum rates set out in the table in clause 15.1:

(a)          a trainee:

[15.3(a)(i) varied by PR720159 ppc 18Jun20]

(i)           Schedule E to the Miscellaneous Award 2020 sets out minimum wage rates and conditions for employees undertaking traineeships.

[15.3(a)(ii) varied by PR720159 ppc 18Jun20, PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961 ppc 01Jul24]

(ii)         This award incorporates the terms of Schedule E to the Miscellaneous Award 2020 as at 1 July 2024. Provided that any reference to “this award” in Schedule E to the Miscellaneous Award 2020 is to be read as referring to the Poultry Processing Award 2020 and not the Miscellaneous Award 2020; and

(b)         an unapprenticed junior (see clause 15.4); and

(c)          an employee receiving a supported wage (see Schedule D—Supported Wage System).

15.4               Unapprenticed junior minimum rates

[15.4 varied by PR767896 ppc 31Dec23]

Junior employees will be entitled to the percentage of the applicable adult weekly rate for their classification as follows:

Age

%

Under 17 years of age

70

17 years of age

80

18 years of age and over

100

15.5               Higher duties

(a)          An employee required by the employer to perform the duties of a position carrying a higher minimum rate than the employee’s ordinary classification for more than 4 hours during one day, must be paid the higher minimum rate for that day.

(b)         An employee required by the employer to perform the duties of a position carrying a higher minimum rate than the employee’s ordinary classification for 4 hours or less during one day, must be paid the higher rate for the actual time worked at that higher level.

16.                 Payment of wages

NOTE: Regulations 3.33(3) and 3.46(1)(g) of Fair Work Regulations 2009 set out the requirements for pay records and the content of payslips including the requirement to separately identify any allowance paid.

16.1               Wages must be paid weekly, either:

(a)          according to the actual ordinary hours worked each week; or

(b)         according to the average number of ordinary hours worked each week.

16.2               Wages must be paid by cash, cheque or electronic funds transfer into the employee’s bank or other recognised financial institution account.

16.3               Payment on termination of employment

(a)          The employer must pay an employee no later than 7 days after the day on which the employee’s employment terminates:

(i)           the employee’s wages under this award for any complete or incomplete pay period up to the end of the day of termination; and

(ii)         all other amounts that are due to the employee under this award and the NES.

(b)         The requirement to pay wages and other amounts under clause 16.3(a) is subject to further order of the Commission and the employer making deductions authorised by this award or the Act.

NOTE 1: Section 117(2) of the Act provides that an employer must not terminate an employee’s employment unless the employer has given the employee the required minimum period of notice or “has paid” to the employee payment instead of giving notice.

NOTE 2: Clause 16.3(b) allows the Commission to make an order delaying the requirement to make a payment under clause 16.3. For example, the Commission could make an order delaying the requirement to pay redundancy pay if an employer makes an application under section 120 of the Act for the Commission to reduce the amount of redundancy pay an employee is entitled to under the NES.

NOTE 3: State and Territory long service leave laws or long service leave entitlements under section 113 of the Act, may require an employer to pay an employee for accrued long service leave on the day on which the employee’s employment terminates or shortly after.

17.                 Allowances

[Varied by PR718892, PR719045, PR729333, PR729518, PR740758, PR740924, PR762183, PR762350, PR773961, PR774129]

NOTE: Regulations 3.33(3) and 3.46(1)(g) of Fair Work Regulations 2009 set out the requirements for pay records and the content of payslips including the requirement to separately identify any allowance paid.

17.1               Employers must pay to an employee the allowances the employee is entitled to under clause 17.

NOTE: See Schedule C—Summary of Monetary Allowances for a summary of monetary allowances and method of adjustment.

17.2               Wage-related allowances

(a)          All-purpose allowances

Allowances paid for all purposes are included in the rate of pay of an employee who is entitled to the allowance, when calculating any penalties, loadings or payment while they are on annual leave. The following allowance is paid for all purposes under this award:

(i)           Leading hand allowance (clause 17.2(b)).

(b)         Leading hand allowance

[17.2(b)(i) varied by PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961 ppc 01Jul24]

(i)           A leading hand in charge of one or more employees must be paid, in addition to the minimum wage for the highest classification supervised, or their own minimum wage, whichever is higher, the following:

In charge of

$ per week

1 to 19 employees

37.79

20 employees or more

63.14

(ii)         The leading hand allowance applies for all purposes of this award.

(c)          Cold work allowance

[17.2(c) varied by PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961 ppc 01Jul24]

A cold work allowance is payable to an employee working for more than one hour in a place where the temperature is reduced by artificial means as follows:

Temperature

$ per hour or part thereof

From -15.6°C to -18.0°C

0.92

-18.0°C to -23.3°C

1.62

Less than -23.3°C

2.54

(d)         First aid allowance

[17.2(d) varied by PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961 ppc 01Jul24]

A first aid allowance of $20.68 per week is payable to an employee who has been trained to provide first aid and holds an appropriate first aid qualification such as a certificate from St John Ambulance or similar body if appointed by the employer to perform first aid duty.

17.3               Expense-related allowances

(a)          Meal allowance

[17.3(a) varied by PR719045, PR729518, PR740924, PR762350, PR774129 ppc 01Jul24]

A meal allowance of $17.92 is payable to an employee who works at least one and a half hours’ overtime after working ordinary hours, except where a meal is provided by the employer.

(b)         Vehicle allowance

[17.3(b) varied by PR729518, PR740924, PR762350, PR774129 ppc 01Jul24]

A vehicle allowance of $0.98 per kilometre is payable to an employee who is required to use their own vehicle to travel from one place to another during working time.

17.4               The allowances in clauses 17.2(c) to 17.2(d) and 17.3 are not subject to any premium or penalty additions.

18.                 Superannuation

[Varied by PR743363, PR771350]

18.1               Superannuation legislation

[18.1 substituted by PR771350 ppc 09Apr24]

(a)          The NES and Superannuation legislation, including the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth), the Superannuation Guarantee Charge Act 1992 (Cth), the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth) and the Superannuation (Resolution of Complaints) Act 1993 (Cth), deal with the superannuation rights and obligations of employers and employees.

(b)         The rights and obligations in clause 18 supplement those in superannuation legislation and the NES.

NOTE: Under superannuation legislation:

(a) Individual employees generally have the opportunity to choose their own superannuation fund.

(b) If a new employee does not choose a superannuation fund, the employer must ask the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) whether the employee is an existing member of a stapled superannuation fund and, if stapled fund details are provided by the ATO, make contributions to the stapled fund.

(c) If an employee does not choose a superannuation fund and does not have a stapled fund, the choice of superannuation fund requirements will be satisfied by contributions made to a superannuation fund nominated in the award covering the employee, provided the fund is able to accept contributions for the benefit of the employee.

(d) A fund may not be able to accept contributions for the benefit of an employee if the employee would be a new member of the fund’s MySuper product and the MySuper product is closed to new members because it has failed the performance tests of Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) for 2 consecutive years.

18.2               Employer contributions

An employer must make such superannuation contributions to a superannuation fund for the benefit of an employee as will avoid the employer being required to pay the superannuation guarantee charge under superannuation legislation with respect to that employee.

18.3               Voluntary employee contributions

(a)          Subject to the governing rules of the relevant superannuation fund, an employee may, in writing, authorise their employer to pay on behalf of the employee a specified amount from the post-taxation wages of the employee into the same superannuation fund as the employer makes the superannuation contributions provided for in clause 18.2.

(b)         An employee may adjust the amount the employee has authorised their employer to pay from the wages of the employee from the first of the month following the giving of three months’ written notice to their employer.

(c)          The employer must pay the amount authorised under clauses 18.3(a) or 18.3(b) no later than 28 days after the end of the month in which the deduction authorised under clauses 18.3(a) or 18.3(b) was made.

18.4               Superannuation fund

[18.4 varied by PR771350 ppc 09Apr24]

Unless, to comply with superannuation legislation, the employer is required to make the superannuation contributions provided for in clause 18.2 to another superannuation fund, the employer must make the superannuation contributions provided for in clause 18.2 and pay any amount authorised under clauses 18.3(a) or 18.3(b) to one of the following superannuation funds or its successor, provided that, in respect of new employees, the fund is able to accept new beneficiaries:

(a)          AustralianSuper; or

(b)         LUCRF Super; or

(c)          Meat Industry Employees’ Super Fund; or

(d)         Sunsuper; or

[18.4(e) varied by PR743363 ppc 07Jul22]

(e)          Hostplus; or

(f)           any superannuation fund to which the employer was making superannuation contributions for the benefit of its employees before 12 September 2008, provided the superannuation fund is an eligible choice fund and is a fund that offers a MySuper product or is an exempt public sector superannuation scheme; or

(g)          a superannuation fund or scheme which the employee is a defined benefit member of.

Part 5—Overtime and Penalty Rates

19.                 Overtime

[Varied by PR723953, PR747390, PR763279]

19.1               Definition of overtime

Overtime is any work done outside ordinary hours as provided in clause 13Ordinary hours of work.

19.2               Overtime rates

Where an employee works overtime the employer must pay to the employee the overtime rates as follows:

For overtime worked on

Overtime rate
% of ordinary hourly rate

Monday to Saturday—first 3 hours

150

Monday to Saturday—after 3 hours

200

Sunday—all day

200

Public holiday—all day

250

NOTE: See Schedule B—Summary of Hourly Rates of Pay for a summary of hourly rates of pay including overtime rates.

19.3               For the purposes of calculating overtime payments, each day will stand alone.

19.4               Minimum payment periods—overtime

The following minimum payment periods apply in relation to overtime:

(a)          An employee required to work overtime on a Saturday must be paid for a minimum of 3 hours;

(b)         An employee required to work overtime on a Sunday or public holiday must be paid for a minimum of 4 hours.

[19.4(c) inserted by PR747390 ppc 14Nov22]

(c)          Hours of work performed immediately before or after a part-day public holiday, that form part of one continuous shift, are counted as part of the minimum payment/engagement period in clause 19.4(b).

[19.5 substituted by PR723953 ppc 20Nov20]

19.5               The casual loading prescribed by clause 11.2(a)(ii) will not be paid for overtime hours worked.

19.6               Call back

(a)          An employee recalled to work overtime after leaving the employer’s business premises (whether notified before or after leaving the premises) must be paid for a minimum of 3 hours at the overtime rates each time the employee is called back.

(b)         Clause 19.6(a) does not apply where it is customary for an employee to return to the employer’s premises to perform a specific job outside the employee’s ordinary hours or where the overtime is continuous, subject to a reasonable meal break, with the completion or commencement of ordinary hours.

19.7               Rest period after overtime

(a)          When overtime work is necessary it must, wherever reasonably practicable, be arranged so that an employee has at least 10 consecutive hours off duty between the work of successive working days.

(b)         An employee, other than a casual employee, who works so much overtime between the termination of their ordinary hours on one day and the commencement of their ordinary hours on the next day that the employee has not had at least 10 consecutive hours off duty between those times must, subject to the other provisions of clause 19.7, be released after completion of the overtime until the employee has had 10 consecutive hours off duty without loss of pay for ordinary hours occurring during such absence.

(c)          If on the instructions of the employer, an employee resumes or continues work without having had the 10 consecutive hours off duty the employee must be paid at 200% of the ordinary hourly rate until the employee is released from duty for such period. The employee is then entitled to be absent until the employee has had 10 consecutive hours off duty without loss of pay for ordinary hours occurring during the absence.

(d)         The provisions of clause 19.7 apply in the case of a shiftworker as if 8 hours were substituted for 10 hours when overtime is worked:

(i)           for the purpose of changing shift rosters; or

(ii)         where a shiftworker does not report for duty and a day worker or a shiftworker is required to replace the shiftworker; or

(iii)       where a shift is worked by arrangement between the employees themselves.

19.8               Time off instead of payment for overtime

(a)          An employee and employer may agree in writing to the employee taking time off instead of being paid for a particular amount of overtime that has been worked by the employee.

(b)         Any amount of overtime that has been worked by an employee in a particular pay period and that is to be taken as time off instead of the employee being paid for it must be the subject of a separate agreement under clause 19.8.

(c)          An agreement must state each of the following:

(i)           the number of overtime hours to which it applies and when those hours were worked;

(ii)         that the employer and employee agree that the employee may take time off instead of being paid for the overtime;

(iii)       that, if the employee requests at any time, the employer must pay the employee, for overtime covered by the agreement but not taken as time off, at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked;

(iv)       that any payment mentioned in clause 19.8(c)(iii) must be made in the next pay period following the request.

NOTE: An example of the type of agreement required by clause 19.8 is set out at Schedule EAgreement for Time Off Instead of Payment for Overtime. There is no requirement to use the form of agreement set out at Schedule EAgreement for Time Off Instead of Payment for Overtime. An agreement under clause 19.8 can also be made by an exchange of emails between the employee and employer, or by other electronic means.

(d)         The period of time off that an employee is entitled to take is the same as the number of overtime hours worked.

EXAMPLE: By making an agreement under clause 19.8 an employee who worked 2 overtime hours is entitled to 2 hours’ time off.

(e)          Time off must be taken:

(i)           within the period of 6 months after the overtime is worked; and

(ii)         at a time or times within that period of 6 months agreed by the employee and employer.

(f)           If the employee requests at any time, to be paid for overtime covered by an agreement under clause 19.8 but not taken as time off, the employer must pay the employee for the overtime, in the next pay period following the request, at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked.

(g)          If time off for overtime that has been worked is not taken within the period of 6 months mentioned in clause 19.8(e), the employer must pay the employee for the overtime, in the next pay period following those 6 months, at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked.

(h)         The employer must keep a copy of any agreement under clause 19.8 as an employee record.

(i)            An employer must not exert undue influence or undue pressure on an employee in relation to a decision by the employee to make, or not make, an agreement to take time off instead of payment for overtime.

(j)           An employee may, under section 65 of the Act, request to take time off, at a time or times specified in the request or to be subsequently agreed by the employer and the employee, instead of being paid for overtime worked by the employee. If the employer agrees to the request then clause 19.8 will apply, including the requirement for separate written agreements under clause 19.8(b) for overtime that has been worked.

[Note varied by PR763279 ppc 01Aug23]

NOTE: If an employee makes a request under section 65 of the Act for a change in working arrangements, the employer may only refuse that request on reasonable business grounds (see section 65A(3) of the Act).

(k)         If, on the termination of the employee’s employment, time off for overtime worked by the employee to which clause 19.8 applies has not been taken, the employer must pay the employee for the overtime at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked.

NOTE: Under section 345(1) of the Act, a person must not knowingly or recklessly make a false or misleading representation about the workplace rights of another person under clause 19.8.

20.                 Penalty rates

[Varied by PR747390]

20.1               Definitions

For the purposes of this award:

(a)          Early morning shift means a shift of ordinary hours commencing at or after 2.00 am and before 4.00 am; and

(b)         Afternoon shift means a shift of ordinary hours finishing at or after 5.00 pm or, where the ordinary hours are extended by agreement, 6.00 pm and at or before midnight; and

(c)          Night shift means a shift finishing after midnight and at or before 8.00 am; and

(d)         Permanent night shift employee is an employee who:

(i)           works night shift only; or

(ii)         stays on night shift for a longer period than 4 consecutive weeks; or

(iii)       works on a night shift which does not rotate or alternate with another shift or with day work so as to give the employee at least one third of their working time off night shift in each shift cycle.

20.2               An employee will be paid the following rates for all ordinary hours worked during the following periods.

Ordinary hours worked on:

% ordinary hourly rate

Monday to Friday—shiftworkers

 

Early morning shift

110

Afternoon shift or night shift

115

Permanent night shift

125

Weekend work—all employees (including shiftworkers)

 

Saturday

150

Sunday

175

Public holiday

250

NOTE: See Schedule B—Summary of Hourly Rates of Pay for a summary of rates of pay including penalty rates.

20.3               A shiftworker who is required to work on a public holiday must be paid for a minimum of 4 hours.

[New 20.4 inserted by PR747390 ppc 14Nov22]

20.4               Hours of work performed immediately before or after a part-day public holiday, that form part of one continuous shift, are counted as part of the minimum payment/engagement period in clause 20.3.

[20.4 renumbered as 20.5 by PR747390 ppc 14Nov22]

20.5               A shiftworker who is required and works overtime must be paid overtime in accordance with clause 19Overtime.

Part 6—Leave, Public Holidays

21.                 Annual leave

[Varied by PR751090]

21.1               Annual leave is provided for in the NES. Annual leave does not apply to a casual employee.

21.2               Definition of shiftworker

For the purpose of the additional week of annual leave provided for in section 87(1)(b) of the Act, a shiftworker is a 7 day shiftworker who is regularly rostered to work on Sundays and public holidays.

21.3               Payment for annual leave

An employee will be paid annual leave at the base rate of pay as prescribed by the NES.

NOTE: Where an employee is receiving over-award payments such that the employee’s base rate of pay is higher than the rate specified under this award, the employee is entitled to receive the higher rate while on a period of paid annual leave (see sections 16 and 90 of the Act).

21.4               Annual leave loading

In addition to the amount prescribed in clause 21.3, during a period of annual leave an employee must be paid:

(a)          for a day worker—a loading of 17.5% calculated on the base rate of pay; or

(b)         for a shiftworker—the greater of:

(i)           a loading of 17.5% calculated on the base rate of pay; or

(ii)         the shift rate including the relevant weekend penalty rate payments the employee would have received in respect of ordinary hours of work, where the employee would have worked shift work had the employee not been on leave during the relevant period.

21.5               Direction to take annual leave during shutdown

[21.5 renamed and substituted by PR751090 ppc 01May23]

(a)          Clause 21.5 applies if an employer:

(i)           intends to shut down all or part of its operation for a particular period of pre-planned maintenance or the installation of machinery (temporary shutdown period); and

(ii)         wishes to require affected employees to take paid annual leave during that period.

(b)         The employer must give the affected employees one months’ written notice of a temporary shutdown period, or any shorter period agreed between the employer and the majority of relevant employees.

(c)          The employer must give written notice of a temporary shutdown period to any employee who is engaged after the notice is given under clause 21.5(b) and who will be affected by that period, as soon as reasonably practicable after the employee is engaged.

(d)         The employer may direct the employee to take a period of paid annual leave to which the employee has accrued an entitlement during a temporary shutdown period.

(e)          A direction by the employer under clause 21.5(d):

(i)           must be in writing; and

(ii)         must be reasonable.

(f)           The employee must take paid annual leave in accordance with a direction under clause 21.5(d).

(g)          In respect of any part of a temporary shutdown period which is not the subject of a direction under clause 21.5(d), an employer and an employee may agree, in writing, for the employee to take leave without pay during that part of the temporary shutdown period.

(h)         An employee may take annual leave in advance during a temporary shutdown period in accordance with an agreement under clause 21.10.

(i)            In determining the amount of paid annual leave to which an employee has accrued an entitlement, any period of paid annual leave taken in advance by the employee, in accordance with an agreement under clause 21.10, to which an entitlement has not been accrued, is to be taken into account.

(j)           Clauses 21.7 to 21.9 do not apply to a period of annual leave that an employee is required to take during a temporary shutdown period in accordance with clause 21.5.

21.6               Payment of leave on termination

On termination of employment, an employee must be paid for annual leave accrued that has not been taken at the appropriate wage calculated in accordance with clauses 21.3 and 21.4.

21.7               Excessive leave accruals: general provision

NOTE: Clauses 21.7 to 21.9 contain provisions, additional to the NES, about the taking of paid annual leave as a way of dealing with the accrual of excessive paid annual leave. See Part 2.2, Division 6 of the Act.

(a)          An employee has an excessive leave accrual if the employee has accrued more than 8 weeks’ paid annual leave (or 10 weeks’ paid annual leave for a shiftworker, as defined by clause 21.2).

(b)         If an employee has an excessive leave accrual, the employer or the employee may seek to confer with the other and genuinely try to reach agreement on how to reduce or eliminate the excessive leave accrual.

(c)          Clause 21.8 sets out how an employer may direct an employee who has an excessive leave accrual to take paid annual leave.

(d)         Clause 21.9 sets out how an employee who has an excessive leave accrual may require an employer to grant paid annual leave requested by the employee.

21.8               Excessive leave accruals: direction by employer that leave be taken

(a)          If an employer has genuinely tried to reach agreement with an employee under clause 21.7(b) but agreement is not reached (including because the employee refuses to confer), the employer may direct the employee in writing to take one or more periods of paid annual leave.

(b)         However, a direction by the employer under clause 21.8(a):

(i)           is of no effect if it would result at any time in the employee’s remaining accrued entitlement to paid annual leave being less than 6 weeks when any other paid annual leave arrangements (whether made under clause 21.7, 21.8 or 21.9 or otherwise agreed by the employer and employee) are taken into account; and

(ii)         must not require the employee to take any period of paid annual leave of less than one week; and

(iii)       must not require the employee to take a period of paid annual leave beginning less than 8 weeks, or more than 12 months, after the direction is given; and

(iv)       must not be inconsistent with any leave arrangement agreed by the employer and employee.

(c)          The employee must take paid annual leave in accordance with a direction under clause 21.8(a) that is in effect.

(d)         An employee to whom a direction has been given under clause 21.8(a) may request to take a period of paid annual leave as if the direction had not been given.

NOTE 1: Paid annual leave arising from a request mentioned in clause 21.8(d) may result in the direction ceasing to have effect. See clause 21.8(b)(i).

NOTE 2: Under section 88(2) of the Act, the employer must not unreasonably refuse to agree to a request by the employee to take paid annual leave.

21.9               Excessive leave accruals: request by employee for leave

(a)          If an employee has genuinely tried to reach agreement with an employer under clause 21.7(b) but agreement is not reached (including because the employer refuses to confer), the employee may give a written notice to the employer requesting to take one or more periods of paid annual leave.

(b)         However, an employee may only give a notice to the employer under clause 21.9(a) if:

(i)           the employee has had an excessive leave accrual for more than 6 months at the time of giving the notice; and

(ii)         the employee has not been given a direction under clause 21.8(a) that, when any other paid annual leave arrangements (whether made under clause 21.7, 21.8 or 21.9 or otherwise agreed by the employer and employee) are taken into account, would eliminate the employee’s excessive leave accrual.

(c)          A notice given by an employee under clause 21.9(a) must not:

(i)           if granted, result in the employee’s remaining accrued entitlement to paid annual leave being at any time less than 6 weeks when any other paid annual leave arrangements (whether made under clause 21.7, 21.8 or 21.9 or otherwise agreed by the employer and employee) are taken into account; or

(ii)         provide for the employee to take any period of paid annual leave of less than one week; or

(iii)       provide for the employee to take a period of paid annual leave beginning less than 8 weeks, or more than 12 months, after the notice is given; or

(iv)       be inconsistent with any leave arrangement agreed by the employer and employee.

(d)         An employee is not entitled to request by a notice under clause 21.9(a) more than 4 weeks’ paid annual leave (or 5 weeks’ paid annual leave for a shiftworker, as defined by clause 21.2) in any period of 12 months.

(e)          The employer must grant paid annual leave requested by a notice under clause 21.9(a).

21.10           Annual leave in advance

(a)          An employer and employee may agree in writing to the employee taking a period of paid annual leave before the employee has accrued an entitlement to the leave.

(b)         An agreement must:

(i)           state the amount of leave to be taken in advance and the date on which leave is to commence; and

(ii)         be signed by the employer and employee and, if the employee is under 18 years of age, by the employee’s parent or guardian.

NOTE: An example of the type of agreement required by clause 21.10 is set out at Schedule F—Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance. There is no requirement to use the form of agreement set out at Schedule F—Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance.

(c)          The employer must keep a copy of any agreement under clause 21.10 as an employee record.

(d)         If, on the termination of the employee’s employment, the employee has not accrued an entitlement to all of a period of paid annual leave already taken in accordance with an agreement under clause 21.10, the employer may deduct from any money due to the employee on termination an amount equal to the amount that was paid to the employee in respect of any part of the period of annual leave taken in advance to which an entitlement has not been accrued.

21.11           Cashing out of annual leave

(a)          Paid annual leave must not be cashed out except in accordance with an agreement under clause 21.11.

(b)         Each cashing out of a particular amount of paid annual leave must be the subject of a separate agreement under clause 21.11.

(c)          An employer and an employee may agree in writing to the cashing out of a particular amount of accrued paid annual leave by the employee.

(d)         An agreement under clause 21.11 must state:

(i)           the amount of leave to be cashed out and the payment to be made to the employee for it; and

(ii)         the date on which the payment is to be made.

(e)          An agreement under clause 21.11 must be signed by the employer and employee and, if the employee is under 18 years of age, by the employee’s parent or guardian.

(f)           The payment must not be less than the amount that would have been payable had the employee taken the leave at the time the payment is made.

(g)          An agreement must not result in the employee’s remaining accrued entitlement to paid annual leave being less than 4 weeks.

(h)         The maximum amount of accrued paid annual leave that may be cashed out in any period of 12 months is 2 weeks.

(i)            The employer must keep a copy of any agreement under clause 21.11 as an employee record.

NOTE 1: Under section 344 of the Act, an employer must not exert undue influence or undue pressure on an employee to make, or not make, an agreement under clause 21.11.

NOTE 2: Under section 345(1) of the Act, a person must not knowingly or recklessly make a false or misleading representation about the workplace rights of another person under clause 21.11.

NOTE 3: An example of the type of agreement required by clause 21.11 is set out at Schedule G—Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave. There is no requirement to use the form of agreement set out at Schedule G—Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave.

22.                 Personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave

Personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave are provided for in the NES.

23.                 Parental leave and related entitlements

[23 varied by PR763279 ppc 01Aug23]

Parental leave and related entitlements are provided for in the NES.

NOTE: Disputes about requests for extensions to unpaid parental leave may be dealt with under clause 29Dispute resolution and/or under section 76B of the Act.

24.                 Community service leave

Community service leave is provided for in the NES.

25.                 Family and domestic violence leave

[25—Unpaid family and domestic violence leave renamed and substituted by PR750523 ppc 15Mar23]

Family and domestic violence leave is provided for in the NES.

NOTE 1: Information provided to employers concerning an employee’s experience of family and domestic violence is sensitive and if mishandled can have adverse consequences for the employee. Employers are subject to confidentiality requirements regarding the handling of this information under section 106C of the Act and requirements as to what can be reported on payslips pursuant to regulations 3.47 and 3.48 of the Fair Work Regulations 2009.

NOTE 2: Depending upon the circumstances, evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person of the employee’s need to take family and domestic violence leave may include a document issued by the police service, a court or family violence support service, or a statutory declaration.

26.                 Public holidays

[Varied by PR747390]

26.1               Public holidays are provided for in the NES.

26.2               Where an employee works on a public holiday they will be paid in accordance with clauses 19.2 or 20.2.

26.3               Substitution of public holidays by agreement

(a)          An employer and employee may agree to substitute another day for a day that would otherwise be a public holiday under the NES.

(b)         An employer and employee may agree to substitute another part-day for a part-day that would otherwise be a part-day public holiday under the NES.

[26.4 deleted by PR747390 ppc 14Nov22]

Part 7—Workplace Delegates, Consultation and Dispute Resolution

[Part 7—Consultation and Dispute Resolution renamed by PR774786 from 01Jul24]

26A. Workplace delegates’ rights

[26A inserted by PR774786 from 01Jul24]

26A.1 Clause 26A provides for the exercise of the rights of workplace delegates set out in section 350C of the Act.

NOTE: Under section 350C(4) of the Act, the employer is taken to have afforded a workplace delegate the rights mentioned in section 350C(3) if the employer has complied with clause 26A.

26A.2 In clause 26A:

(a)          employer means the employer of the workplace delegate;

(b)         delegate’s organisation means the employee organisation in accordance with the rules of which the workplace delegate was appointed or elected; and

(c)          eligible employees means members and persons eligible to be members of the delegate’s organisation who are employed by the employer in the enterprise.

26A.3 Before exercising entitlements under clause 26A, a workplace delegate must give the employer written notice of their appointment or election as a workplace delegate. If requested, the workplace delegate must provide the employer with evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person of their appointment or election.

26A.4 An employee who ceases to be a workplace delegate must give written notice to the employer within 14 days.

26A.5 Right of representation

A workplace delegate may represent the industrial interests of eligible employees who wish to be represented by the workplace delegate in matters including:

(a)          consultation about major workplace change;

(b)         consultation about changes to rosters or hours of work;

(c)          resolution of disputes;

(d)         disciplinary processes;

(e)          enterprise bargaining where the workplace delegate has been appointed as a bargaining representative under section 176 of the Act or is assisting the delegate’s organisation with enterprise bargaining; and

(f)           any process or procedure within an award, enterprise agreement or policy of the employer under which eligible employees are entitled to be represented and which concerns their industrial interests.

26A.6 Entitlement to reasonable communication

(a)          A workplace delegate may communicate with eligible employees for the purpose of representing their industrial interests under clause 26A.5. This includes discussing membership of the delegate’s organisation and representation with eligible employees.

(b)         A workplace delegate may communicate with eligible employees during working hours or work breaks, or before or after work.

26A.7 Entitlement to reasonable access to the workplace and workplace facilities

(a) The employer must provide a workplace delegate with access to or use of the following workplace facilities:

(i)           a room or area to hold discussions that is fit for purpose, private and accessible by the workplace delegate and eligible employees;

(ii)         a physical or electronic noticeboard;

(iii)       electronic means of communication ordinarily used in the workplace by the employer to communicate with eligible employees and by eligible employees to communicate with each other, including access to Wi-Fi;

(iv)       a lockable filing cabinet or other secure document storage area; and

(v)         office facilities and equipment including printers, scanners and photocopiers.

(b) The employer is not required to provide access to or use of a workplace facility under clause 26A.7(a) if:

(i)           the workplace does not have the facility;

(ii)         due to operational requirements, it is impractical to provide access to or use of the facility at the time or in the manner it is sought; or

(iii)       the employer does not have access to the facility at the enterprise and is unable to obtain access after taking reasonable steps.

26A.8 Entitlement to reasonable access to training

Unless the employer is a small business employer, the employer must provide a workplace delegate with access to up to 5 days of paid time during normal working hours for initial training and at least one day each subsequent year, to attend training related to representation of the industrial interests of eligible employees, subject to the following conditions:

(a)          In each year commencing 1 July, the employer is not required to provide access to paid time for training to more than one workplace delegate per 50 eligible employees.

(b)         The number of eligible employees will be determined on the day a delegate requests paid time to attend training, as the number of eligible employees who are:

(i)           full-time or part-time employees; or

(ii)         regular casual employees.

(c)          Payment for a day of paid time during normal working hours is payment of the amount the workplace delegate would have been paid for the hours the workplace delegate would have been rostered or required to work on that day if the delegate had not been absent from work to attend the training.

(d)         The workplace delegate must give the employer not less than 5 weeks’ notice (unless the employer and delegate agree to a shorter period of notice) of the dates, subject matter, the daily start and finish times of the training, and the name of the training provider.

(e)          If requested by the employer, the workplace delegate must provide the employer with an outline of the training content.

(f)           The employer must advise the workplace delegate not less than 2 weeks from the day on which the training is scheduled to commence, whether the workplace delegate’s access to paid time during normal working hours to attend the training has been approved. Such approval must not be unreasonably withheld.

(g)          The workplace delegate must, within 7 days after the day on which the training ends, provide the employer with evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person of their attendance at the training.

26A.9 Exercise of entitlements under clause 26A

(a)          A workplace delegate’s entitlements under clause 26A are subject to the conditions that the workplace delegate must, when exercising those entitlements:

(i)           comply with their duties and obligations as an employee;

(ii)         comply with the reasonable policies and procedures of the employer, including reasonable codes of conduct and requirements in relation to occupational health and safety and acceptable use of ICT resources;

(iii)       not hinder, obstruct or prevent the normal performance of work; and

(iv)       not hinder, obstruct or prevent eligible employees exercising their rights to freedom of association.

(b)         Clause 26A does not require the employer to provide a workplace delegate with access to electronic means of communication in a way that provides individual contact details for eligible employees.

(c)          Clause 26A does not require an eligible employee to be represented by a workplace delegate without the employee’s agreement.

NOTE: Under section 350A of the Act, the employer must not:

(a) unreasonably fail or refuse to deal with a workplace delegate; or

(b) knowingly or recklessly make a false or misleading representation to a workplace delegate; or

(c) unreasonably hinder, obstruct or prevent the exercise of the rights of a workplace delegate under the Act or clause 26A.

27.                 Consultation about major workplace change

27.1               If an employer makes a definite decision to make major changes in production, program, organisation, structure or technology that are likely to have significant effects on employees, the employer must:

(a)          give notice of the changes to all employees who may be affected by them and their representatives (if any); and

(b)         discuss with affected employees and their representatives (if any):

(i)           the introduction of the changes; and

(ii)         their likely effect on employees; and

(iii)       measures to avoid or reduce the adverse effects of the changes on employees; and

(c)          commence discussions as soon as practicable after a definite decision has been made.

27.2               For the purposes of the discussion under clause 27.1(b), the employer must give in writing to the affected employees and their representatives (if any) all relevant information about the changes including:

(a)          their nature; and

(b)         their expected effect on employees; and

(c)          any other matters likely to affect employees.

27.3               Clause 27.2 does not require an employer to disclose any confidential information if its disclosure would be contrary to the employer’s interests.

27.4               The employer must promptly consider any matters raised by the employees or their representatives about the changes in the course of the discussion under clause 27.1(b).

27.5               In clause 27 significant effects, on employees, includes any of the following:

(a)          termination of employment; or

(b)         major changes in the composition, operation or size of the employer’s workforce or in the skills required; or

(c)          loss of, or reduction in, job or promotion opportunities; or

(d)         loss of, or reduction in, job tenure; or

(e)          alteration of hours of work; or

(f)           the need for employees to be retrained or transferred to other work or locations; or

(g)          job restructuring.

27.6               Where this award makes provision for alteration of any of the matters defined at clause 27.5, such alteration is taken not to have significant effect.

28.                 Consultation about changes to rosters or hours of work

28.1               Clause 28 applies if an employer proposes to change the regular roster or ordinary hours of work of an employee, other than an employee whose working hours are irregular, sporadic or unpredictable.

28.2               The employer must consult with any employees affected by the proposed change and their representatives (if any).

28.3               For the purpose of the consultation, the employer must:

(a)          provide to the employees and representatives mentioned in clause 28.2 information about the proposed change (for example, information about the nature of the change and when it is to begin); and

(b)         invite the employees to give their views about the impact of the proposed change on them (including any impact on their family or caring responsibilities) and also invite their representative (if any) to give their views about that impact.

28.4               The employer must consider any views given under clause 28.3(b).

28.5               Clause 28 is to be read in conjunction with any other provisions of this award concerning the scheduling of work or the giving of notice.

29.                 Dispute resolution

[Varied by PR763279]

29.1               Clause 29 sets out the procedures to be followed if a dispute arises about a matter under this award or in relation to the NES.

29.2               The parties to the dispute must first try to resolve the dispute at the workplace through discussion between the employee or employees concerned and the relevant supervisor.

29.3               If the dispute is not resolved through discussion as mentioned in clause 29.2, the parties to the dispute must then try to resolve it in a timely manner at the workplace through discussion between the employee or employees concerned and more senior levels of management, as appropriate.

29.4               If the dispute is unable to be resolved at the workplace and all appropriate steps have been taken under clauses 29.2 and 29.3, a party to the dispute may refer it to the Fair Work Commission.

29.5               The parties may agree on the process to be followed by the Fair Work Commission in dealing with the dispute, including mediation, conciliation and consent arbitration.

29.6               If the dispute remains unresolved, the Fair Work Commission may use any method of dispute resolution that it is permitted by the Act to use and that it considers appropriate for resolving the dispute.

29.7               A party to the dispute may appoint a person, organisation or association to support and/or represent them in any discussion or process under clause 29.

29.8               While procedures are being followed under clause 29 in relation to a dispute:

(a)          work must continue in accordance with this award and the Act; and

(b)         an employee must not unreasonably fail to comply with any direction given by the employer about performing work, whether at the same or another workplace, that is safe and appropriate for the employee to perform.

29.9               Clause 29.8 is subject to any applicable work health and safety legislation.

[Note 1 inserted by PR763279 ppc 01Aug23]

NOTE 1: In addition to clause 29, a dispute resolution procedure for disputes regarding the NES entitlement to request flexible working arrangements is contained in section 65B of the Act.

[Note 2 inserted by PR763279 ppc 01Aug23]

NOTE 2: In addition to clause 29, a dispute resolution procedure for disputes regarding the NES entitlement to request an extension to unpaid parental leave is contained in section 76B of the Act.

Part 8—Termination of Employment and Redundancy

30.                 Termination of employment

NOTE: The NES sets out requirements for notice of termination by an employer. See sections 117 and 123 of the Act.

30.1               Notice of termination by an employee

(a)          Clause 30.1 applies to all employees except those identified in sections 123(1) and 123(3) of the Act.

(b)         An employee must give the employer notice of termination in accordance with Table 1—Period of notice of at least the period specified in column 2 according to the period of continuous service of the employee specified in column 1.

Table 1—Period of notice

Column 1

Employee’s period of continuous service with the employer at the end of the day the notice is given

Column 2

Period of notice

Not more than 1 year

1 week

More than 1 year but not more than 3 years

2 weeks

More than 3 years but not more than 5 years

3 weeks

More than 5 years

4 weeks

NOTE: The notice of termination required to be given by an employee is the same as that required of an employer except that the employee does not have to give additional notice based on the age of the employee.

(c)          In clause 30.1(b) continuous service has the same meaning as in section 117 of the Act.

(d)         If an employee who is at least 18 years old does not give the period of notice required under clause 30.1(b), then the employer may deduct from wages due to the employee under this award an amount that is no more than one week’s wages for the employee.

(e)          If the employer has agreed to a shorter period of notice than that required under clause 30.1(b), then no deduction can be made under clause 30.1(d).

(f)           Any deduction made under clause 30.1(d) must not be unreasonable in the circumstances.

30.2               Job search entitlement

(a)          Where an employer has given notice of termination to an employee, the employee must be allowed time off without loss of pay of up to one day for the purpose of seeking other employment.

(b)         The time off under clause 30.2 is to be taken at times that are convenient to the employee after consultation with the employer.

31.                 Redundancy

NOTE: Redundancy pay is provided for in the NES. See sections 119 to 123 of the Act.

31.1               Transfer to lower paid duties on redundancy

(a)          Clause 31.1 applies if, because of redundancy, an employee is transferred to new duties to which a lower ordinary rate of pay applies.

(b)         The employer may:

(i)           give the employee notice of the transfer of at least the same length as the employee would be entitled to under section 117 of the Act as if it were a notice of termination given by the employer; or

(ii)         transfer the employee to the new duties without giving notice of transfer or before the expiry of a notice of transfer, provided that the employer pays the employee as set out in clause 31.1(c).

(c)          If the employer acts as mentioned in clause 31.1(b)(ii), the employee is entitled to a payment of an amount equal to the difference between the ordinary rate of pay of the employee (inclusive of all-purpose allowances, shift rates and penalty rates applicable to ordinary hours) for the hours of work the employee would have worked in the first role, and the ordinary rate of pay (also inclusive of all-purpose allowances, shift rates and penalty rates applicable to ordinary hours) of the employee in the second role for the period for which notice was not given.

31.2               Employee leaving during redundancy notice period

(a)          An employee given notice of termination in circumstances of redundancy may terminate their employment during the minimum period of notice prescribed by section 117(3) of the Act.

(b)         The employee is entitled to receive the benefits and payments they would have received under clause 31 or under sections 119 to 123 of the Act had they remained in employment until the expiry of the notice.

(c)          However, the employee is not entitled to be paid for any part of the period of notice remaining after the employee ceased to be employed.

31.3               Job search entitlement

(a)          Where an employer has given notice of termination to an employee in circumstances of redundancy, the employee must be allowed time off without loss of pay of up to one day each week of the minimum period of notice prescribed by section 117(3) of the Act for the purpose of seeking other employment.

(b)         If an employee is allowed time off without loss of pay of more than one day under clause 31.3(a), the employee must, at the request of the employer, produce proof of attendance at an interview.

(c)          A statutory declaration is sufficient for the purpose of clause 31.3(b).

(d)         An employee who fails to produce proof when required under clause 31.3(b) is not entitled to be paid for the time off.

(e)          This entitlement applies instead of clause 30.2.


 

Schedule AClassification Definitions

For the purposes of this award, the classification definitions are as follows:

A.1.1           Process Employee Level 1

(a)          Points of entry

New employee.

(b)         Skills/duties

(i)           Undertakes structured induction training.

(ii)         Works under direct supervision, either individually or in a team environment.

(iii)       Undertakes training in quality systems.

(iv)       Exercises minimal discretion.

(v)         Undertakes training for any task.

(c)          Promotional criteria

An employee remains at this level for the first 3 months or until they are capable of effectively performing the tasks required so as to enable them to progress to a higher level as a position becomes available.

A.1.2           Process Employee Level 2

(a)          Points of entry

(i)           Previously a Process Employee Level 1; or

(ii)         Proven and demonstrated skills at this level.

(b)         Skills/duties

(i)           Responsible for the quality of their work within this level.

(ii)         Undertakes duties in a safe and responsible manner.

(iii)       Exercises minimal judgment.

(c)          Indicative tasks

(i)           Loading and unloading the crate washer for finished product.

(ii)         Locating and removing any residual feathers from carcasses on the line.

(iii)       Rehanging poultry post-primary grading and/or including wet re-hanging or hanging on to automatic cut up, or operator scales, carton strapping, including minor adjustment and tape installation.

(iv)       Maintaining plant hygiene, including laundering protective clothing in the factory environs.

(v)         Placing a pad on a tray, a plastic liner in a crate, or forming cartons manually or semi-automatically.

(vi)       Loading trays into an automatic wrapping machine and/or the hand application of stick-on labels on tray packs or bags.

(vii)     Moving product between work areas as directed/and or distributing ice throughout the plant where required.

(viii)   Receiving incoming goods and/or packaged products from the plant and/or sorting and stacking products inside a freezer or chiller room, and retrieving this product for despatch.

(ix)       Operating material handling equipment which may require a licence, conveyer or shrink wrap machine.

(d)         Promotional criteria

An employee remains at this level until they have developed the skills to allow the employee to effectively perform the tasks required and are assessed to be competent to perform effectively at a higher level so as to enable them to progress as a position becomes available.

A.1.3           Process Employee Level 3

(a)          Points of entry

(i)           Previously a Process Employee Level 2 or lower; or

(ii)         Proven and demonstrated skills at this level.

(b)         Skills/duties

(i)           Responsible for the quality of their own work within this level.

(ii)         Will be required to have a working knowledge of quality systems.

(iii)       Works in a team environment.

(c)          Indicative tasks

(i)           Employees engaged in the product areas from where the kill and eviscerating lines meet to the point of entry into the first washer and/or chiller, including re-hanging, vent opening, eviscerating, harvesting, pre‑pack presenter and evisceration checker.

(ii)         Placing a whole bird and/or pieces into a plastic bag and/or clipping and/or placing the bagged or bulk bird into a carton or crate to quality standards.

(iii)       Placing a bird and/or pieces into a plastic bag and/or clipping the bag on an automatic or semi-automatic machine.

(iv)       Sorting and selecting pieces of boneless product to achieve random/set weights on valumatic trays and presenting the product to quality specifications which includes no blemishes, no retention of viscera and no protrusions or overlap, and to a standard specification layout.

(v)         All duties relating to a nine piece cut up machine in order to consistently achieve quality standards.

(vi)       General work associated with the preparation, packing and storage of uncooked and cooked processed poultry products using steam and/or other means of heating.

(vii)     All mincing, filling, de-bone machine operation, flavour injector operation and mixer operation.

(d)         Promotional criteria

An employee remains at this level until they have developed the skills to allow the employee to effectively perform the tasks required and are assessed to be competent to perform effectively at a higher level so as to enable them to progress as a position becomes available.

A.1.4           Process Employee Level 4

(a)          Points of entry

(i)           Previously a Process Employee Level 3 or lower; or

(ii)         Proven and demonstrated skills at this level.

(b)         Skills/duties

(i)           Responsible for the quality of their own work within this level.

(ii)         Will be required to have a working knowledge of quality systems.

(iii)       Works in a team environment.

(c)          Indicative tasks

(i)           Operating a weight labelling machine which automatically places a price‑weight label, entering product and/or price coding and positioning labels to set quality standards.

(ii)         Manually recording the type and weight of finished product from the packing floor to storage.

(iii)       Unloading crates on to a dock, hanging live birds and/or catching escaped birds, assisting in the back up killing and restacking live bird crates.

(iv)       Ensuring the accurate recording of product leaving the chiller or freezer ready for loading into a truck for despatch.

(v)         Adult employees, driving a semi-trailer of any capacity within plant environs, loading and unloading the vehicle, monitoring livestock cooling devices and completing records as required.

(vi)       Rendering or digestion operators.

(d)         Promotional criteria

An employee remains at this level until they have developed the skills to allow the employee to effectively perform the tasks required and are assessed to be competent to perform effectively at a higher level so as to enable them to progress as a position becomes available.

A.1.5           Process Employee Level 5

(a)          Points of entry

(i)           Previously a Process Employee Level 4 or lower; or

(ii)         Proven and demonstrated skills (including as appropriate, Industry Certification) at this level.

(b)         Skills/duties

(i)           Responsible for the quality of their own work within this level.

(ii)         Will be required to have a working knowledge of quality systems.

(iii)       Works in a team environment.

(c)          Indicative tasks

(i)           De-boning poultry manually, on a semi-automatic machine or an on-line boning operation, to specified standards.

(ii)         Measuring and recording the physical properties of the whole bird or portions to established standards of measurement. This may include temperature, flock assessment, scalding characteristics, evisceration performance, water pick up where appropriate, bacteria control measures and preparation for laboratory staff and inspection services.

(iii)       Skilled use of a hand operated rotary saw to cut the whole bird and/or pieces to set standards.

(iv)       Primary grading of whole birds immediately after exiting the water and/or air chiller to predetermined quality specifications, sorting and selecting to meet those standards and placing the birds on shackles for distribution within the packing plant.

(v)         Primary operation and care of all appropriate materials handling equipment under licence.

(d)         Promotional criteria

An employee remains at this level until they have developed the skills to allow the employee to effectively perform the tasks required and are assessed to be competent to perform effectively at a higher level so as to enable them to progress as a position becomes available.

A.1.6           Process Employee Level 6

(a)          Points of entry

(i)           Previously a Process Employee Level 5 or lower; or

(ii)         Proven and demonstrated skills at this level.

(b)         Skills/duties

(i)           Capable of performing the duties of a Process Employee Levels 1 to 5.

(ii)         Completed an accredited ‘Train the Trainer’ course.

(c)          Indicative tasks

(i)           All the duties of a Process Employee Levels 1 to 5.

(ii)         Training of other process employees as directed.


 

Schedule BSummary of Hourly Rates of Pay

[Varied by PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961]

B.1                Ordinary hourly rate

B.1.1           Ordinary hourly rate is the minimum hourly rate of pay for an employee plus any allowance payable for all purposes to which the employee is entitled. Where an allowance is payable for all purposes in accordance with clause 17.2(b) this forms part of the employee’s ordinary hourly rate and must be added to the ordinary hourly rate prior to calculating penalties and overtime.

B.1.2           The rates in the tables below are based on the minimum hourly rates in accordance with 15.1. Consistent with clause B.1.1, all-purpose allowances need to be added to the rates in the table where they are applicable.

B.2                Full-time and part-time employees

B.2.1           Full-time and part-time employees other than shiftworkers—ordinary and penalty rates

[B.2.1 varied by PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961 ppc 01Jul24]

 

Ordinary hours

Saturday1

Sunday1

Public holiday

 

% of ordinary hourly rate2

 

100%

150%

175%

250%

 

$

$

$

$

Level 1

24.21

36.32

42.37

60.53

Level 2

24.86

37.29

43.51

62.15

Level 3

25.19

37.79

44.08

62.98

Level 4

25.52

38.28

44.66

63.80

Level 5

25.83

38.75

45.20

64.58

Level 6

26.50

39.75

46.38

66.25

1 Ordinary hours may be worked on Saturday and Sunday, by agreement, in accordance with clause 13.2.

2 Rates in table are calculated based on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

B.2.2           Full-time and part-time employees other than shiftworkers—overtime rates

[B.2.2 varied by PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961 ppc 01Jul24]

 

Monday to Saturday

Sunday

Public holiday

First 3 hours

After 3 hours

% of ordinary hourly rate1

 

150%

200%

200%

250%

$

$

$

$

Level 1

36.32

48.42

48.42

60.53

Level 2

37.29

49.72

49.72

62.15

Level 3

37.79

50.38

50.38

62.98

Level 4

38.28

51.04

51.04

63.80

Level 5

38.75

51.66

51.66

64.58

Level 6

39.75

53.00

53.00

66.25

1 Rates in table are calculated based on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

B.2.3           Shiftworkers—ordinary and penalty rates

[B.2.3 varied by PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961 ppc 01Jul24]

 

Early morning

Afternoon & night

Permanent night

Saturday

Sunday

Public holiday

 

% of ordinary hourly rate1

 

110%

115%

125%

150%

175%

250%

 

$

$

$

$

$

$

Level 1

26.63

27.84

30.26

36.32

42.37

60.53

Level 2

27.35

28.59

31.08

37.29

43.51

62.15

Level 3

27.71

28.97

31.49

37.79

44.08

62.98

Level 4

28.07

29.35

31.90

38.28

44.66

63.80

Level 5

28.41

29.70

32.29

38.75

45.20

64.58

Level 6

29.15

30.48

33.13

39.75

46.38

66.25

1 Rates in table are calculated based on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

B.2.4           Shiftworkers—overtime rates

[B.2.4 varied by PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961 ppc 01Jul24]

 

Monday to Saturday

Sunday

Public holiday

First 3 hours

After 3 hours

% of ordinary hourly rate1

 

150%

200%

200%

250%

$

$

$

$

Level 1

36.32

48.42

48.42

60.53

Level 2

37.29

49.72

49.72

62.15

Level 3

37.79

50.38

50.38

62.98

Level 4

38.28

51.04

51.04

63.80

Level 5

38.75

51.66

51.66

64.58

Level 6

39.75

53.00

53.00

66.25

1 Rates in table are calculated based on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

B.3                Casual employees

B.3.1           Casual employees—ordinary and penalty rates

[B.3.1 varied by PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961 ppc 01Jul24]

 

Monday - Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Public holiday

% of ordinary hourly rate1

 

125%

150%

175%

250%

$

$

$

$

Level 1

30.26

36.32

42.37

60.53

Level 2

31.08

37.29

43.51

62.15

Level 3

31.49

37.79

44.08

62.98

Level 4

31.90

38.28

44.66

63.80

Level 5

32.29

38.75

45.20

64.58

Level 6

33.13

39.75

46.38

66.25

1 Rates in table are calculated based on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.

B.3.2           Casual shiftworkers—ordinary and penalty rates

[B.3.2 varied by PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961 ppc 01Jul24]

 

Early morning

Afternoon & night

Permanent night

Saturday

Sunday

Public holiday

 

% of ordinary hourly rate1

 

135%

140%

150%

150%

175%

250%

 

$

$

$

$

$

$

Level 1

32.68

33.89

36.32

36.32

42.37

60.53

Level 2

33.56

34.80

37.29

37.29

43.51

62.15

Level 3

34.01

35.27

37.79

37.79

44.08

62.98

Level 4

34.45

35.73

38.28

38.28

44.66

63.80

Level 5

34.87

36.16

38.75

38.75

45.20

64.58

Level 6

35.78

37.10

39.75

39.75

46.38

66.25

1 Rates in table are calculated based on the minimum hourly rate, see clauses B.1.1 and B.1.2.


 

Schedule CSummary of Monetary Allowances

[Varied by PR718892, PR719045, PR729333, PR729518, PR740758, PR740924, PR750828, PR762183, PR762350, PR773961, PR774129]

See clause 17Allowances for full details of allowances payable under this award.

C.1               Wage-related allowances

[C.1.1 varied by PR718892, PR729333, PR740758, PR762183, PR773961 ppc 01Jul24]

C.1.1           The following wage-related allowances are based on the weekly standard rate defined in clause 2Definitions as the minimum hourly rate for Level 2 in clause 15.1 = $24.86. These rates are paid in accordance with clause 17.2.

Allowance

Clause

% of standard rate

$

Payable

Leading hand in charge of—1 to 19 employees1

17.2(b)(i)

152.0

37.79

per week

Leading hand in charge of—20 employees or more1

17.2(b)(i)

254.0

63.14

per week

Cold work allowance—From -15.6°C to -18.0°C

17.2(c)

3.7

0.92

per hour or part thereof

Cold work allowance— -18.0°C to -23.3°C

17.2(c)

6.5

1.62

per hour or part thereof

Cold work allowance—Less than -23.3°C

17.2(c)

10.2

2.54

per hour or part thereof

First aid allowance

17.2(d)

83.2

20.68

per week

1 This allowance applies for all purposes.

C.1.2           Automatic adjustment of wage-related allowances

[C.1.2 renamed and substituted by PR750828 ppc 15Mar23]

The amount of each wage-related allowance is the percentage of the standard rate specified for the allowance and will automatically adjust to reflect the specified percentage when the standard rate is varied.

C.2               Expense-related allowances

[C.2.1 varied by PR719045, PR729518, PR740924, PR762350, PR774129 ppc 01Jul24]

C.2.1           The following expense-related allowances will be payable to employees in accordance with clause 17.3:

Allowance

Clause

$

Payable

Meal allowance—overtime

17.3(a)

17.92

per meal

Vehicle allowance

17.3(b)

0.98

per km

C.2.2           Adjustment of expense-related allowances

(a)          At the time of any adjustment to the standard rate, each expense-related allowance must be increased by the relevant adjustment factor. The relevant adjustment factor for this purpose is the percentage movement in the applicable index figure most recently published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics since the allowance was last adjusted.

(b)         The applicable index figure is the index figure published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the Eight Capitals Consumer Price Index (Cat No. 6401.0), as follows:

Type of allowance

Applicable Consumer Price Index figure

Meal allowance

Take away and fast foods sub-group

Vehicle allowance

Private motoring sub-group

   


 

Schedule DSupported Wage System

[Varied by PR719661, PR729672, PR742256, PR762969, PR774051]

D.1                 This schedule defines the conditions which will apply to employees who because of the effects of a disability are eligible for a supported wage under the terms of this award.

D.2                 In this schedule:

approved assessor means a person accredited by the management unit established by the Commonwealth under the supported wage system to perform assessments of an individual’s productive capacity within the supported wage system.

assessment instrument means the tool provided for under the supported wage system that records the assessment of the productive capacity of the person to be employed under the supported wage system.

disability support pension means the Commonwealth pension scheme to provide income security for persons with a disability as provided under the Social Security Act 1991 (Cth), as amended from time to time, or any successor to that scheme.

relevant minimum wage means the minimum wage prescribed in this award for the class of work for which an employee is engaged.

supported wage system (SWS) means the Commonwealth Government system to promote employment for people who cannot work at full award wages because of a disability, as documented in the Supported Wage System Handbook. The Handbook is available from the following website: www.jobaccess.gov.au.

SWS wage assessment agreement means the document in the form required by the Department of Social Services that records the employee’s productive capacity and agreed wage rate.

D.3               Eligibility criteria

D.3.1           Employees covered by this schedule will be those who are unable to perform the range of duties to the competence level required within the class of work for which the employee is engaged under this award, because of the effects of a disability on their productive capacity and who meet the impairment criteria for receipt of a disability support pension.

D.3.2           This schedule does not apply to any existing employee who has a claim against the employer which is subject to the provisions of workers compensation legislation or any provision of this award relating to the rehabilitation of employees who are injured in the course of their employment.

D.4               Supported wage rates

D.4.1           Employees to whom this schedule applies will be paid the applicable percentage of the relevant minimum wage according to the following schedule:

Assessed capacity (clause D.5)

%

Relevant minimum wage

%

10

10

20

20

30

30

40

40

50

50

60

60

70

70

80

80

90

90

[D.4.2 varied by PR719661, PR729672, PR742256, PR762969, PR774051 ppc 01Jul24]

D.4.2           Provided that the minimum amount payable must be not less than $106 per week.

D.4.3           Where an employee’s assessed capacity is 10%, they must receive a high degree of assistance and support.

D.5               Assessment of capacity

D.5.1           For the purpose of establishing the percentage of the relevant minimum wage, the productive capacity of the employee will be assessed in accordance with the SWS by an approved assessor, having consulted the employer and employee and, if the employee so desires, a union which the employee is eligible to join.

D.5.2           All assessments made under this schedule must be documented in an SWS wage assessment agreement, and retained by the employer as a time and wages record in accordance with the Act.

D.6               Lodgement of SWS wage assessment agreement

D.6.1           All SWS wage assessment agreements under the conditions of this schedule, including the appropriate percentage of the relevant minimum wage to be paid to the employee, must be lodged by the employer with the Fair Work Commission.

D.6.2           All SWS wage assessment agreements must be agreed and signed by the employee and employer parties to the assessment. Where a union which has an interest in the award is not a party to the assessment, the assessment will be referred by the Fair Work Commission to the union by certified mail and the agreement will take effect unless an objection is notified to the Fair Work Commission within 10 working days.

D.7               Review of assessment

The assessment of the applicable percentage should be subject to annual or more frequent review on the basis of a reasonable request for such a review. The process of review must be in accordance with the procedures for assessing capacity under the SWS.

D.8               Other terms and conditions of employment

Where an assessment has been made, the applicable percentage will apply to the relevant minimum wage only. Employees covered by the provisions of this schedule will be entitled to the same terms and conditions of employment as other workers covered by this award on a pro rata basis.

D.9               Workplace adjustment

An employer wishing to employ a person under the provisions of this schedule must take reasonable steps to make changes in the workplace to enhance the employee’s capacity to do the job. Changes may involve re-design of job duties, working time arrangements and work organisation in consultation with other workers in the area.

D.10          Trial period

D.10.1       In order for an adequate assessment of the employee’s capacity to be made, an employer may employ a person under the provisions of this schedule for a trial period not exceeding 12 weeks, except that in some cases additional work adjustment time (not exceeding 4 weeks) may be needed.

D.10.2       During that trial period the assessment of capacity will be undertaken and the percentage of the relevant minimum wage for a continuing employment relationship will be determined.

[D.10.3 varied by PR719661, PR729672, PR742256, PR762969, PR774051 ppc 01Jul24]

D.10.3       The minimum amount payable to the employee during the trial period must be no less than $106 per week.

D.10.4       Work trials should include induction or training as appropriate to the job being trialled.

D.10.5       Where the employer and employee wish to establish a continuing employment relationship following the completion of the trial period, a further contract of employment will be entered into based on the outcome of assessment under clause D.5.


 

Schedule EAgreement for Time Off Instead of Payment for Overtime

Link to PDF copy of Agreement for Time Off Instead of Payment for Overtime.

 

Name of employee: _____________________________________________

Name of employer: _____________________________________________

The employer and employee agree that the employee may take time off instead of being paid for the following amount of overtime that has been worked by the employee:

Date and time overtime started: ___/___/20___ ____ am/pm

Date and time overtime ended: ___/___/20___ ____ am/pm

Amount of overtime worked: _______ hours and ______ minutes

 

The employer and employee further agree that, if requested by the employee at any time, the employer must pay the employee for overtime covered by this agreement but not taken as time off. Payment must be made at the overtime rate applying to the overtime when worked and must be made in the next pay period following the request.

 

Signature of employee: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

 

Name of employer representative: ________________________________________

Signature of employer representative: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___


 

Schedule FAgreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance

Link to PDF copy of Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance.

 

Name of employee: _____________________________________________

Name of employer: _____________________________________________

The employer and employee agree that the employee will take a period of paid annual leave before the employee has accrued an entitlement to the leave:

The amount of leave to be taken in advance is: ____ hours/days

The leave in advance will commence on: ___/___/20___

 

Signature of employee: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

 

Name of employer representative: ________________________________________

Signature of employer representative: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

 

[If the employee is under 18 years of age - include:]

I agree that:

if, on termination of the employee’s employment, the employee has not accrued an entitlement to all of a period of paid annual leave already taken under this agreement, then the employer may deduct from any money due to the employee on termination an amount equal to the amount that was paid to the employee in respect of any part of the period of annual leave taken in advance to which an entitlement has not been accrued.

Name of parent/guardian: ________________________________________

Signature of parent/guardian: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

   


 

Schedule GAgreement to Cash Out Annual Leave

Link to PDF copy of Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave.

 

Name of employee: _____________________________________________

Name of employer: _____________________________________________

 

The employer and employee agree to the employee cashing out a particular amount of the employee’s accrued paid annual leave:

The amount of leave to be cashed out is: ____ hours/days

The payment to be made to the employee for the leave is: $_______ subject to deduction of income tax/after deduction of income tax (strike out where not applicable)

The payment will be made to the employee on: ___/___/20___

 

Signature of employee: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

 

Name of employer representative: ________________________________________

Signature of employer representative: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

 

Include if the employee is under 18 years of age:

 

Name of parent/guardian: ________________________________________

Signature of parent/guardian: ________________________________________

Date signed: ___/___/20___

   

[Schedule H—Part-day Public Holidays deleted by PR747390 ppc 14Nov22]

[Schedule X—Additional Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic varied by PR720705, PR723048, PR728080, PR736911; deleted by PR746868 ppc 17Oct22]

 

Title: Poultry Processing Award 2020
Code: MA000074
Effective:
Updated:
Instrument Type: Modern Award

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Any data extracts must be read in conjunction with the provisions in the modern award. These copies and extracts are not a substitute for independent professional advice and users should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances.