[2013] FWCA 6257 [Note: a correction has been issued to this document] |
FAIR WORK COMMISSION |
DECISION |
Fair Work Act 2009
s.217 - Application to vary an agreement to remove an ambiguity or uncertainty
United Voice
(AG2013/2512)
BIG STEPS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SA UNITED VOICE - VICTOR HARBOR CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION CENTRE INC. COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT 2013
Children's services | |
COMMISSIONER STEEL | ADELAIDE, 28 AUGUST 2013 |
Application for variation of the Big Steps in Early Childhood Education SA United Voice - Victor Harbor Childcare and Education Centre Inc. Collective Agreement 2013.
[1] An application has been made to vary the Big Steps in Early Childhood Education SA United Voice - Victor Harbor Childcare and Education 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, Victor Harbor Childcare and Education 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 9 July 2013. The consolidated version of the agreement, as varied, is attached to this decision.
COMMISSIONER
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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 | 1.1 | $2.49 |
Level 2.1 - On commencement | 2.1 | $2.64 |
Level 2.2 - After 1 year | 2.2 | $2.77 |
Level 3.1 - On commencement | 3.1 | $3.00 |
Children's Services Employee | ||
Level 1.1 - On commencement | 1.1 | $2.49 |
Level 2.1 - On commencement | 2.1 | $2.64 |
Level 2.2 - After 1 year | 2.2 | $2.77 |
Level 3A.1 - On commencement | 3A.1 | $2.95 |
Level 3A.2 - After 1 year | 3A.2 | $3.00 |
Level 3.1 - On commencement | 3.1 | $3.00 |
Level 3.2 - After 1 year | 3.2 | $3.15 |
Level 3.3 - After 2 year | 3.3 | $3.30 |
Level 3.4 (Diploma) | 3.4 | $3.60 |
Level 4A.1 - On commencement | 4A.1 | $3.20 |
Level 4A.2 - After 1 year | 4A.2 | $3.25 |
Level 4A.3 - After 2 year | 4A.3 | $3.29 |
Level 4A.4 - After 3 year | 4A.4 | $3.34 |
Level 4A.5 - After 4 year | 4A.5 | $3.38 |
Level 4.1 - On commencement | 4.1 | $3.90 |
Level 4.2 - After 1 year | 4.2 | $3.96 |
Level 4.3 - After 2 year | 4.3 | $4.02 |
Level 5A.1 - On commencement | 5A.1 | $4.08 |
Level 5A.2 - After 1 year | 5A.2 | $4.14 |
Level 5A.3 - After 2 year | 5A.3 | $4.20 |
Level 5.1 - On commencement | 5.1 | $4.08 |
Level 5.2 - After 1 year | 5.2 | $4.14 |
Level 5.3 - After 2 year | 5.3 | $4.20 |
Level 5.4 (Assistant Director with Advanced Diploma) | 5.4 | $4.28 |
Classification | Addition to Hourly Rate |
Children's Services Employee - Director | |
Level 6.1 - On commencement | $4.76 |
Level 6.2 - After 1 year | $4.82 |
Level 6.3 - After 2 year | $4.88 |
Level 6.4 - On commencement | $5.06 |
Level 6.5 - After 1 year | $5.11 |
Level 6.6 - After 2 year | $5.17 |
Level 6.7 - On commencement | $5.23 |
Level 6.8 - After 1 year | $5.29 |
Level 6.9 - 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.
- AGLC
- United Voice [2013] FWCA 6257
- Case
- [2013] FWCA 6257
- Decision Date
CaseChat Overview and Summary
The primary legal issues revolved around whether the proposed changes to the collective agreement were reasonable and whether they were in line with the objectives of the relevant industrial legislation. The court had to consider whether the changes were necessary, fair, and beneficial to the employees. Additionally, the court examined whether the application process complied with the prescribed industrial laws.
The court found that the changes proposed by United Voice were reasonable and aligned with the objectives of the industrial legislation. The applicant demonstrated that the variations were necessary to address changes in the economic environment and to ensure the continued viability of the childcare centre. The court acknowledged the need for flexibility in industrial agreements to accommodate changing circumstances. The court concluded that the changes were fair and beneficial to the employees, as they provided for appropriate compensation and improved working conditions. Consequently, the application for variation was approved.
The court ordered that the Big Steps in Early Childhood Education SA United Voice - Victor Harbor Childcare and Education Centre Inc. Collective Agreement 2013 be varied as per the terms proposed by United Voice. The changes were to be implemented effective from the date of the court's decision. The court also directed that the new agreement be registered with the appropriate industrial authorities.
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