4 yearly review of modern awards – Plain language re-drafting – Cleaning Services Award 2010

In the recent decision, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) was tasked with reviewing the Cleaning Services Award 2010 as part of its four-yearly process of modernising and simplifying awards. The review was conducted to ensure the award remains relevant, accessible and understandable for employers and employees within the cleaning services industry. The FWC considered submissions from various stakeholders, including industry associations, unions, and individual employers and employees, to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the current industry practices and challenges.

The legal issues before the FWC involved determining whether the existing provisions of the Cleaning Services Award 2010 should be amended to better reflect the contemporary industry standards and to improve the clarity and accessibility of the award for all parties. The FWC had to assess whether the proposed changes would adequately address the identified issues, while also ensuring that the award remained fair and balanced in its treatment of both employers and employees.

In reaching its decision, the FWC considered the evidence presented by the various stakeholders and the potential impact of the proposed changes on the industry. The Commission determined that several amendments were necessary to modernise and simplify the award, including re-drafting certain provisions in plain language to improve readability and understanding. The FWC also made adjustments to better align the award with current industry practices and to address any discrepancies between the award and the National Employment Standards. The outcome of the review was a revised Cleaning Services Award 2010, which incorporated the changes proposed by the FWC.

The FWC's final orders included the adoption of the revised Cleaning Services Award 2010, which incorporated the changes proposed by the Commission. The new award is intended to provide greater clarity, accessibility, and fairness for both employers and employees within the cleaning services industry. The changes aim to better reflect current industry practices and to ensure that the award remains relevant and effective in regulating employment conditions within the sector.