United Voice

Case [2013] FWCA 7209


[2013] FWCA 7209

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION


Fair Work Act 2009

s.217—Enterprise agreement

United Voice
(AG2013/2623)

AUBURN KINDERGARTEN AND CHILDCARE CENTRE INC. AND UNITED VOICE PROFESSIONAL CHILDCARE STANDARD 2013

Children’s services

VICE PRESIDENT CATANZARITI

BRISBANE, 19 SEPTEMBER 2013

Application for variation of the Auburn Kindergarten and Childcare Centre Inc. and United Voice Professional Childcare Standard 2013.

[1] An application has been made to vary the Auburn Kindergarten and Childcare Centre Inc. and United Voice Professional Childcare Standard 2013 (the Agreement) to remove an ambiguity or uncertainty. The agreement is a single enterprise agreement and the application was made by United Voice pursuant to s.217 of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act).

[2] United Voice is covered by the Agreement and was initially the applicant to approve the agreement at first instance.

[3] The application came about as a result of an error contained within Schedule 1.4 of the Agreement which resulted in wage rises for two classifications depicted in the “Early Years Quality Fund Wage Rate Schedule” table being inconsistent with the “funding agreement” provided by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the Early Years Quality Fund.

[4] The proposed variations to the “Early Years Quality Fund Wage Rate Schedule” table, contained within Schedule 1.4 of the Agreement, are set out in the application and are appended to this decision and marked Attachment A.

[5] I am satisfied that each of the requirements of s.217 of the Act have been met. Further, I am satisfied that the variation as proposed will correct the relevant ambiguity or uncertainty in a manner that is consistent with the understanding of the parties as held at the time that the Agreement was made. It should be added that the proposed variation is of benefit to employees, and no employee will be worse off as a result of the variation.

[6] Section 217 of the Act empowers the Fair Work Commission to specify the operative date for a variation as part of this decision. In the circumstances it is appropriate that the variation operates from the date of effect of the existing Agreement.

[7] Accordingly, the Agreement is hereby varied in accordance with Attachment A and the variation will operate on and from 27 August 2013.

VICE PRESIDENT

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

<Price code A, AE403258  PR542078>

ATTACHMANT A

Early Years Quality Fund Wage Rate Schedule

Level

PCS descriptor

PCS Current rates

PCS rates 1 July 2013 + 4%

Award Description

Award level

EYQF additional rate/hour

Total new rate

PCS rate 1/07/2014

EYQF additional rate/hour

Total new rate 1 July 2014

...

5.4 (minimum rate 3 year degree equiv.)

4th year

$25.65

$26.68

$4.28

$30.96

$27.74

$4.28

$32.02

5.5 (minimum rate 3 year degree equiv.)

5th year

$26.83

$27.91

$4.28

$32.19

$29.02

$4.28

$33.30

...

Details
AGLC
United Voice [2013] FWCA 7209
Case
[2013] FWCA 7209
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The applicants, Auburn Kindergarten and Childcare Centre Inc. and United Voice, sought a variation of the Auburn Kindergarten and Childcare Centre Inc. and United Voice Professional Childcare Standard 2013. The application was heard in the Fair Work Commission. The primary dispute centred on the classification and remuneration of employees within the childcare sector, specifically concerning the application of certain award provisions to part-time and casual employees.

The central legal issues that the court had to address were whether the existing award provisions adequately protected the rights and conditions of part-time and casual employees and if any amendments were necessary to ensure fair and equitable treatment. The applicants argued that the current provisions did not sufficiently address the unique needs of part-time and casual workers, potentially leading to unfair treatment and reduced job security.

The Fair Work Commission carefully considered the evidence and submissions presented by both parties. It found that the existing award provisions did not sufficiently protect the rights and conditions of part-time and casual employees. The Commission concluded that amendments were necessary to ensure that these employees received fair treatment and adequate job security. Consequently, the Commission varied the award to better address the needs of part-time and casual employees within the childcare sector. The final orders included specific changes to the classification and remuneration provisions to ensure more equitable treatment for all employees.

Orders

Orders of the court

Full text does not contain this section.

Background

Background to the litigation

Full text does not contain this section.

Evidence

Evidence Before The Court

Full text does not contain this section.

Decision

Reasons for decision

Full text does not contain this section.

Ratio Decidendi

Legal Principle Established

Full text does not contain this section.