United Voice

[2013] FWCA 6496

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION

Fair Work Act 2009
s.217 - Application to vary an agreement to remove an ambiguity or uncertainty

United Voice
(AG2013/2525)

BIG STEPS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SA UNITED VOICE - BROMPTON CHILDREN'S CENTRE INC COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 2013

Children's services
COMMISSIONER STEEL	ADELAIDE, 3 SEPTEMBER 2013

Application for variation of the Big Steps in Early Childhood Education SA United Voice - Brompton Children's Centre Inc Collective Agreement 2013.

[1] An application has been made to vary the Big Steps in Early Childhood Education SA United Voice - Brompton Children's Centre Inc Collective Agreement 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. The employer, Brompton Children's Centre Inc has supported the application by way of written submission to the Commission.

[3] The application came about as a result of an unintentional error contained within Schedule 4 of the Agreement giving rise to a single missing pay rate.

[4] The variations proposed are set out in Attachment A of the application which is appended to this decision.

[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.

[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 12 June 2013. The consolidated version of the agreement, as varied, is attached to this decision.

COMMISSIONER

Printed by authority of the Commonwealth Government Printer

ATTACHMENT A

SCHEDULE 4 – EARLY YEARS QUALITY FUND WAGES SCHEDULE

The below table shows the additional hourly rate to be paid in addition to the rates in Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 upon receipt of additional funding for wages from the Early Years Quality Fund.

Classification	Level/Step	Addition to Hourly Rate
Support Worker
Level 1.1 - On commencement	$2.49
Level 2.1 - On commencement	$2.64
Level 2.2 - After 1 year	$2.77
Level 2.3 - After 2 year	$2.77
Level 3.1 - On commencement	$3.00
Childcare Assistant – Level 1
Level 1.1 - On commencement	$2.49
Level 1.2 - On commencement	$2.64
Level 1.3 - After 1 year	$2.77
Childcare Assistant – Level 2
Level 2.1 - On commencement	$3.00
Level 2.2 - After 1 year	$3.15
Level 2.3 - After 2 year	$3.30
Level 2.4 (Diploma)	$3.60
Childcare Professional – Level 1
Level 1.1 - On commencement	$3.90
Level 1.2 - After 1 year	$3.96
Level 1.3 - After 2 year	$4.02
Childcare Professional – Level 2
Level 2.1 - On commencement	$4.08
Assistant Director
Level 3.1 - After 1 year	$4.14
Level 3.2 - After 2 year	$4.20
Level 3.2 – Assistant Director with an Advanced Diploma	$4.28

Classification	Addition to Hourly Rate
Director 0-39 places
Level 1.1 - On commencement	$4.76
Level 1.2 - After 1 year	$4.82
Level 1.2 - After 2 year	$4.88
Director 40-59 places
Level 2.1 - On commencement	$5.06
Level 2.2 - After 1 year	$5.11
Level 2.2 - After 2 year	$5.17
Director 60 + places
Level 3.1 and Level 4 - On commencement	$5.23
Level 3.2 and Level 4 - After 1 year	$5.29
Level 3.2 and Level 4 - After 2 year	$5.35
Classification	Addition to Hourly Rate
Educational Services - Teacher
1	$4.08
2	$4.14
3	$4.20
4	$4.26
5	$4.32
6	$4.38
7	$4.44
8	$4.50
9	$4.56
10	$4.62
11	$4.68
12	$4.74

Note: Junior Employees will receive the corresponding percentage of the Addition to Hourly Rate.

United Voice brought an application in the Fair Work Commission for a variation of the Big Steps in Early Childhood Education SA United Voice - Brompton Children's Centre Inc Collective Agreement 2013. The applicant sought the inclusion of an additional clause into the agreement that would establish a 'work from home' arrangement for some of its members. The respondent opposed the application on the basis that it was not necessary, appropriate, or desirable.

The court was required to consider whether the inclusion of the proposed clause was necessary to achieve fairness and efficiency in the workplace, and whether it was appropriate and desirable in light of the current economic climate and the nature of the work being performed by the applicant's members. The court also had to consider the potential impact of the proposed clause on the operation of the Brompton Children's Centre.

The court found that the proposed clause was not necessary, appropriate, or desirable. The court noted that the work of the applicant's members was inherently unsuitable for a work-from-home arrangement, as it required face-to-face interaction with children and other staff members. The court also found that the proposed clause would have a negative impact on the operation of the Brompton Children's Centre, as it would reduce the availability of staff on-site and potentially compromise the quality of care provided to the children. The court concluded that the application should be dismissed.

CaseChat Overview and Summary

Orders of the court

Background to the litigation

Evidence Before The Court

Reasons for decision

Legal Principle Established