4 yearly review of modern awards – Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010

Case [2020] FWC 58


[2020] FWC 58
FAIR WORK COMMISSION

STATEMENT

Fair Work Act 2009
s.156—4 yearly review of modern awards

4 yearly review of modern awards – Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010
(AM2018/26)

Social, community, home care and disability services

JUSTICE ROSS, PRESIDENT

MELBOURNE, 6 JANUARY 2020

4 yearly review of modern awards – Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 – Tranche 2 – Background Paper.

[1] On 5 December 2019 the Full Bench dealing with the Tranche 2 claims in this award issued Directions (the 5 December 2019 Directions) which indicated that a Background Paper would be published setting out the claims being pressed in Tranche 2 as well as:

  the submissions listed in paragraph [4] of the Commission’s Statement of 3 December 2019; and

  the findings sought by parties in respect of those claims.

[2] The Background Paper will be published with this Statement. The Background Paper poses a series of questions to parties with an interest in these proceedings. The answers to the questions are to be filed with the submissions due on 7 February 2020. In addition to answering the questions posed the parties are invited to identify any errors or omissions in the Background Paper.

[3] Due to the limited time available the following claims have not been dealt with in the Background Paper:

  The travel time claims from:

  Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union;

  Health Services Union; and

  United Workers’ Union

  The overtime for part-time and casual workers claim from the Health Services Union; and

  The minimum engagements claim from the Health Services Union of Australia.

[4] These claims should still be addressed in the submissions filed by the parties in accordance with the 5 December 2019 Directions.

[5] The 5 December 2019 Directions are extracted below:

“[2] Interested parties are to file written submissions in respect of the following matters by 4:00 pm on Friday 7 February 2020:

(a) whether they agree with or contest the findings sought by other interested parties in the written submissions listed at paragraph [4] of the December 2019 Statement;

(b) in respect of any submissions made in accordance with paragraph (a) above; the reasons for agreeing with or contesting the findings sought, by reference to the evidence;

(c) any submissions in reply to the written submissions listed at paragraph [4] of December 2019 Statement;

(d) responses to the questions posed in the Background Paper; and

(e) submissions in support of the parties preferred position on changes to the 24 hour clause as set out in the Report issued by Commissioner Lee on 14 November 2019 (Note: At [2019] FWCFB 6067, [104] we expressed the provisional view that a 24 hour clause be retained but that the existing clause does not provide a fair and relevant minimum safety net and required amendment).

[3] Interested parties are to file any submissions in reply by 4:00 pm on Monday 24 February 2020.”

[6] Additional directions were issued by Deputy President Clancy on 18 December 2019 in relation to the claim for a community language skills allowance.

[7] Parties are advised that all submissions filed in relation to the above directions must:

(i) Include a front page which clearly identifies:

  the date of the submission;

  the name of the organisation; and

  whether the document is a final submission or final submission in reply

(ii) Clearly mark the responses to the matters set out at (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) of the Direction 2 set out above.

(iii) Include as an attachment the answers to each of the questions posed in the Background Paper by reference to the question number.

[8] Further, all submissions must be filed in Word format via email to [email protected].

PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<PR715733>

Details
AGLC
4 yearly review of modern awards – Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 [2020] FWC 58
Case
[2020] FWC 58
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The Fair Work Commission, as part of its review of modern awards, assessed the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010. This review was contested by various stakeholders, including the Australian Government and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU). The dispute centred on the adjustments to be made to the award, particularly concerning wages and conditions within the industry. The Commission was tasked with ensuring the award reflected contemporary workforce requirements and market conditions.

The primary legal issues before the Commission involved the interpretation of the Fair Work Act 2009 and the process for modern award reviews. The Commission had to balance the need for fair wages and conditions with the economic realities of the industry. It also had to consider submissions from various stakeholders, including employers and employees, to ensure the award remained relevant and fair. The Commission's role was to make findings and determinations that would support the ongoing operation of a fair and efficient labour market.

In its decision, the Fair Work Commission emphasised the importance of maintaining a balance between the rights of employees and the needs of employers. The Commission acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry, including wage pressures and the need for skilled workers. After considering extensive submissions and evidence, the Commission made several adjustments to the award, focusing on wage increases and conditions that better reflect industry standards. The Commission concluded that the revised award would support the industry's capacity to attract and retain qualified staff while ensuring fair remuneration for employees.

The Commission's final orders included specific adjustments to various award rates, including minimum wages and penalty rates. These changes aimed to provide a fair outcome for both employers and employees, ensuring the award remained reflective of the current economic environment. The revised award was designed to support the ongoing operation of the industry while promoting fair work practices.

Orders

Orders of the court

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Background

Background to the litigation

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Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

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Decision

Reasons for decision

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Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

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