4 yearly review of modern awards – Pastoral Industry Award 2010

In the recent case before the Fair Work Commission, the Australian Pastoral Employers' Council Inc. contested the 4 yearly review of the Pastoral Industry Award 2010. The dispute centred on the provisions regarding meal breaks and allowances for piggery attendants. The Commission was tasked with determining whether the current award provisions adequately reflect the modern workplace conditions and obligations.

The primary legal issue before the Commission was whether the existing meal break provisions in the award were sufficient to protect the health and safety of piggery attendants. Additionally, the Commission had to consider if the current meal allowance provisions were adequate and reflective of the current industry standards and economic conditions. The Commission needed to weigh the submissions from both parties and any relevant evidence presented.

After careful consideration of the submissions and evidence, the Commission determined that the existing meal break provisions were insufficient to ensure the health and safety of piggery attendants. The Commission found that the current provisions did not adequately account for the nature of work in the piggery industry. Furthermore, the Commission concluded that the meal allowance provisions did not reflect the current economic conditions and industry standards. As a result, the Commission amended the award to include provisions that provide for mandatory meal breaks and increased meal allowances. These changes aim to better protect the health and safety of piggery attendants and reflect current industry standards.

The Fair Work Commission has made several orders to amend the Pastoral Industry Award 2010, including provisions for mandatory meal breaks and increased meal allowances for piggery attendants. These amendments aim to better protect the health and safety of employees in the piggery industry and reflect the current economic conditions and industry standards. The changes will come into effect on the first day of the first pay period that begins after six months from the date of the orders.