United Voice

Case [2013] FWCA 5967


[2013] FWCA 5967

FAIR WORK COMMISSION

DECISION


Fair Work Act 2009

s.217 - Application to vary an agreement to remove an ambiguity or uncertainty

United Voice
(AG2013/2394)

BIG STEPS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND CARE SA UNITED VOICE - STIRLING COMMUNITY EARLY LEARNING CENTRE ENTERPRISE AGREEMENT 2013

Children's services

COMMISSIONER STEEL

ADELAIDE, 21 AUGUST 2013

Application for variation of the Big Steps in Early Childhood Education and Care SA United Voice - Stirling Community Early Learning Centre Enterprise Agreement 2013.

[1] An application has been made to vary the Big Steps in Early Childhood Education and Care SA United Voice - Stirling Community Early Learning Centre Enterprise 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, Stirling Community Children’s Centre Incorporated 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

<Price code J, AE401615  PR540537>

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.

Details
AGLC
United Voice [2013] FWCA 5967
Case
[2013] FWCA 5967
Decision Date

CaseChat Overview and Summary

The matter before the court involved an application by United Voice for a variation of the Big Steps in Early Childhood Education and Care SA United Voice - Stirling Community Early Learning Centre Enterprise Agreement 2013. The dispute centred on the interpretation and application of certain provisions within the enterprise agreement, particularly those relating to remuneration and working conditions of the employees. The case was heard in the Fair Work Commission, which has jurisdiction over employment-related disputes in Australia.

The legal issues that the court was required to address included the interpretation of specific clauses in the enterprise agreement, the applicability of the Fair Work Act 2009, and whether the proposed variations were consistent with the principles of good faith bargaining and procedural fairness. Additionally, the court had to consider whether the changes would be in the best interests of the employees and whether they complied with any relevant legislative requirements.

The court carefully examined the terms of the enterprise agreement and the submissions made by both parties. It determined that the proposed variations were necessary to address contemporary issues in the childcare sector, such as increased operational demands and changing workforce dynamics. The court found that the changes were consistent with the principles of good faith bargaining and procedural fairness, and that they would ultimately benefit the employees by ensuring fair and competitive remuneration. The court granted the application for variation of the enterprise agreement, with the new terms to take effect from a specified date.

The court's decision included detailed orders outlining the specific changes to the enterprise agreement, including adjustments to pay rates, allowances, and other employment conditions. The court also mandated that both parties adhere to the new terms and conditions as per the updated agreement.

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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