2025 WAIRC 00540
Engineering Trades (Government) Award, 1967 Award Nos. 29, 30 and 31 of 1961 and 3 of 1962

FIRST SCHEDULE - WAGES

(1) (a) The rates of pay in this award include arbitrated safety net adjustments available since December 1993, under the Arbitrated Safety Net Adjustment Principle.

These arbitrated safety net adjustments may be offset against any equivalent amount in the rate of pay received by employees since 1 November 1991 above the rate prescribed in the Award, except where such absorption is contrary to the terms of an industrial agreement.

Increases in rates of pay otherwise made under the State Wage Case Principles, excepting those resulting from enterprise agreements, are not to be used to offset arbitrated safety net adjustments.

(b) Subject to this Schedule, an adult employee in a classification specified in the table set out in subclause (2) hereof (other than an apprentice or an employee of the Building Management Authority) shall be paid at the respective award wage rate per week assigned to that class of work.

The all-purpose hourly rate for this Award shall be 1/38th of the total rate prescribed herein.

(2)

Classification:
On Engagement $
Safety Net Adjustment $
Total Rate $
C5 Advanced Engineering Tradesperson -level II
566.80
691.50
1258.30
C6 Advanced Engineering Tradesperson -Level I
545.00
683.30
1228.30
C7 Engineering Tradesperson Special Class -Level II
501.40
666.90
1168.30
C8 Engineering Tradesperson Special Class -Level I
479.60
658.80
1138.40
C9 Engineering Tradesperson - Level II
457.80
653.40
1111.20
C10 Engineering Tradesperson - Level I/Production Systems Employee
436.00
645.20
1081.20
C11 Engineering Employee - Level IV
402.90
628.20
1031.10
C12 Engineering Employee - Level III
381.10
622.00
1003.10
C13 Engineering Employee - Level II
357.50
615.40
972.90
C14 Engineering Employee - Level I
340.10
612.90
953.00

(3) Transitional Arrangements

(a) Notwithstanding the wage rates contained in subclause (2) hereof, existing employees employed in the classifications designated as C13 and C11A who, prior to the commencement of the first pay period on or after the 27th August, 1992 received wages in excess of those contained in subclause (2) hereof shall, in addition to the rates specified therein, receive an additional all-purpose rate as follows:


$
C13 -

Second year of service
1.90
Third year of service and above
3.00


C11A -

Third year of service and above
0.10

These rates will not be increased for any reason and shall be absorbed when the rates in subclause (2) hereof are increased by an future wage movements.

(4) The classification prescribed in the relevant minimum rates award on which the rate prescribed for the key classification in this award is based, is the wage group C 10 in the Metal Trades (General) Award No. 13 of 1965.

(5) (a) In addition to the rates contained in subclauses (2) and (3) hereof, employees designated in classifications C 14 to C 7 inclusive shall receive an all-purpose industry allowance of $24.80.

(b) This allowance shall be paid in two instalments, as follows:

(i) $12.40 of the allowance shall be paid after the first 12 months of Government service; and

(ii) the remaining $12.40 - totalling $24.80 - shall be paid on completion of 24 months of Government service.

(c) The industry allowance shall be adjusted in accordance with any movements to the wage prescribed in subclause (2) hereof, as follows:

(i) The increase shall apply to the ‘plus 24 months of service’ rate;

(ii) The increase is to be rounded to the nearest ten cents;

(iii) The rate is to be divided by two to calculate instalments in accordance with subparagraphs (i) and (ii) of paragraph (b) hereof, provided that the instalment rates are not expressed in less than ten cents amounts; and

(iv) In the event of such an equal division of the industry allowance not resulting in the rates being expressed in less than ten cent amounts, as provided in subparagraph (iii) hereof, the division shall be unequal and weighted to the 12 months’ service instalment.

(6) The classifications prescribed in subclause (3) hereof include persons previously engaged as follows:

C 6 Advanced Engineering Tradesperson Level I –

Electronics Tradesperson - Groups A, B and C

Instrumentation and Control Tradesperson - Groups A, B and C

C 8 Engineering Tradesperson - Special Class Level I -

A
Electrician - Special Class

Mechanical Tradesperson - Special Class

Instrument Tradesperson - Complex Systems


B
Pattern Maker

Tool Maker

Scientific Instrument Maker and Repairer

District Electrical Technician

C 9 Engineering Tradesperson - Level II -

Tradesperson with marking off responsibilities

Welder - Special Class

C10 Engineering Tradesperson - Level II -

Automotive Electrical Fitter
Blacksmith
Brass Finisher
Driller using Asquith or Tullis radial drills
Driller using borer or cutter bar
Electrical Fitter and/or Armature Winder
Electrical Installer
First Class Machinist
Fitter
Installer - low voltage equipment
Linesperson - Grade 1
Motor Mechanic
Moulder
Plant Mechanic
Radio and Television Serviceperson
Refrigeration Fitter
Turner and/or Iron Machinist
Welder - First Class

C11 Engineering Employee - Level IV -



A

Certified Rigger and Splicer or Scaffolder on ships and buildings

Linesperson - Grade 2


B

Rigger and Splicer or Scaffolder, other than certificated, on ships and buildings

Tool and Material Storeperson (Education Department)


C.
Certified Electrical Overhead Crane Driver

Cycle (Other than Motor) Mechanic

Driller using Swift Machine

Furnaceperson (Iron)

Rigger and Splicer or Scaffolder (Other than on ships and buildings)

Tool and Material Storeperson (Education Department)


D.
Furnaceperson (Brass)

Tool Storeperson

Tool and Material Storeperson (Education Department)

C12 Engineering Employee - Level III -

Annealing Stove Attendant
Bolt Machinist
Casting Dresser
Crane Attendant
Cycle (Other than Motor) Mechanic's Assistant
Driller
Screwer
Shearer
Welder - Second Class

C13 Engineering Employee - Level II -

Furnaceperson's Assistant
Process Worker
Shot Blast/Sand Dresser
Trades Assistant
Welder - Fourth Class

C14 Engineering Employee - Level I -

Labourer

(7) Casual Employees

An employee who is engaged to work for less than five consecutive days shall be paid 20% of the ordinary rate in addition to the ordinary rate for the class of work performed.

(8) (a) Leading Hands

A tradesperson placed in charge of three or more other employees shall, in addition to the ordinary rate, be paid per week:


$
If placed in charge of not less than three and not more than 10 other employees
39.70
If placed in charge of more than 10 and not more than 20 other employees
60.80
If placed in charge of more than 20 other employees
77.80

(b) Any tradesperson moulder employed in a foundry where no other jobbing moulder is employed shall be paid at the rate prescribed for leading hands in charge of not less than three and not more than 10 other employees.

(c) A Certificated Rigger or Scaffolder on ships and buildings, other than a Leading Hand, who, in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act and Regulations 1988, is responsible for the supervision of not less than three other employees, shall be deemed to be a Leading Hand and be paid at the rate prescribed for a Leading Hand in charge of not less than three and not more than ten other employees.

(d) In addition to any rates to which an employee may be entitled under this clause a Mechanic-in-Charge, employed by the Department of Conservation and Land Management in the following towns, shall be paid per week -


$
Manjimup, Collie
97.00
Harvey, Dwellingup, Mundaring, Yanchep
48.30
Ludlow, Nannup, Margaret River, Kirup, Walpole, Pemberton
24.40
Jarrahdale
24.40


(9) Apprentices

(a) The weekly wage rate shall be a percentage, as hereunder, of the tradesperson's rate:



%
Five Year Term -



First Year
40

Second Year
48

Third Year
55

Fourth Year
75

Fifth Year
88



Four Year Term -



First Year
42

Second Year
55

Third Year
75

Fourth Year
88



Three and a Half Year Term -



First Six Months
42

Next Year
55

Next Following Year
75

Final Year
88



Three Year Term -



First Year
55

Second Year
75

Third Year
88

(b) For the purposes of this subclause, "Tradesperson's Rate" means the rate of pay prescribed for an employee classified as Engineering Tradesperson Level 1 in subclause (2) hereof.

(10) Construction Allowance

(a) In addition to the appropriate rate of pay prescribed in subclause (1) hereof, an employee shall be paid -

(i) $69.50 per week if engaged on the construction of a large industrial undertaking or any large civil engineering project;

(ii) $62.50 per week if engaged on a multi-storeyed building but only until the exterior walls have been erected, the windows completed and a lift made available to carry the employee between the ground floor and the floor upon which he/she is required to work. A “multi storeyed building” is a building which, when completed will consist of at least five storeys.

(iii) $36.90 per week if engaged otherwise on construction work falling within the definition of construction work in Clause 5. – Classification Structure and Definitions of this Award.

(b) Any dispute as to which of the aforesaid allowances applies to particular work shall be determined by the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission.

(c) Any allowance paid under this subclause includes any allowance otherwise payable under Clause 17. – Special Rates and Provisions of this Award.

(11) Tool Allowance

(a) Where an employer does not provide a tradesperson or an apprentice with the tools ordinarily required by that tradesperson or apprentice in the performance of work as a tradesperson or as an apprentice, the employer shall pay a tool allowance of -

(i) $22.00 per week to such tradesperson; or

(ii) In the case of an apprentice a percentage which appears against the relevant year of apprenticeship in this Schedule,

for the purpose of such tradesperson or apprentice supplying and maintaining tools ordinarily required in the performance of work as a tradesperson or as an apprentice.

(b) Any tool allowance paid pursuant to paragraph (a) hereof shall be included in, and form part of, the ordinary weekly wage prescribed in this Schedule.

(c) An employer shall provide, for the use of tradespersons or apprentices, all necessary power tools, special purpose tools and precision measuring instruments.

(d) A tradesperson or apprentice shall replace or pay for any tools supplied by the employer, if lost through the negligence of such employee.

(12) Drilling Allowance

A driller using a Herbert two-spindle sensitive machine to drill to a marked circumference shall be paid an additional $3.65 per hour whilst so engaged.

(13) An engineering employee who is not protected from flying shot and sand by a properly enclosed cabin shall receive a weekly allowance to increase his/her wage to an amount not less than that received by a C11 Engineering Employee - Level IV.

(14) Minimum Wage:

(a) No employee aged 21 or more shall be paid less than the minimum adult award wage unless otherwise provided by this clause.

(b) The minimum adult award wage for full-time employees aged 21 or more working under an award that provides for a 38-hour week is $953.00 per week.

The minimum adult award wage for full-time employees aged 21 or more working under awards that provide for other than a 38-hour week is calculated as follows: divide $953.00 by 38 and multiply by the number of ordinary hours prescribed for a full-time employee under the award.

The minimum adult award wage is payable from the beginning of the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2025.

(c) The minimum adult award wage is deemed to include all State Wage order adjustments from State Wage Case decisions.

(d) Unless otherwise provided in this clause adults aged 21 or more employed as casuals, part-time employees or piece workers or employees who are remunerated wholly on the basis of payment by results, shall not be paid less than pro rata the minimum adult award wage according to the hours worked.

(e) Employees under the age of 21 shall be paid no less than the wage determined by applying the percentage prescribed in the junior rates provision in this award (if applicable) to the minimum adult award wage, provided that no employee shall be paid less than any applicable minimum rate of pay prescribed by the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993.

(f) The minimum adult award wage shall not apply to apprentices, employees engaged on traineeships or government approved work placement programs or employed under the Commonwealth Government Supported Wage System or to other categories of employees who by prescription are paid less than the minimum award rate, provided that no employee shall be paid less than any applicable minimum rate of pay prescribed by the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993.

(g) Liberty to apply is reserved in relation to any special category of employees not included here or otherwise in relation to the application of the minimum adult award wage.

(h) Subject to this clause the minimum adult award wage shall –

(i) Apply to all work in ordinary hours.

(ii) Apply to the calculation of overtime and all other penalty rates, superannuation, payments during any period of paid leave and for all purposes of this award.

(i) Minimum Adult Award Wage

The rates of pay in this award include the minimum weekly wage for employees aged 21 or more payable under the 2025 State Wage order. Any increase arising from the insertion of the minimum wage will be offset against any equivalent amount in rates of pay received by employees whose wages and conditions of employment are regulated by this award which are above the wage rates prescribed in the award. Such above award payments include wages payable pursuant to enterprise agreements, consent awards or award variations to give effect to enterprise agreements and over award arrangements. Absorption which is contrary to the terms of an agreement is not required.

Increases under previous State Wage Case Principles or under the current Statement of Principles, excepting those resulting from enterprise agreements, are not to be used to offset the minimum wage.

(j) Adult Apprentices

(i) Notwithstanding the provisions of this clause, the minimum adult apprentice wage for a full-time apprentice aged 21 years or more working under an award that provides for a 38-hour week is $791.30 per week.

(ii) The minimum adult apprentice wage for a full-time apprentice aged 21 years or more working under an award that provides for other than a 38-hour week is calculated as follows: divide $791.30 by 38 and multiply by the number of ordinary hours prescribed for a full-time apprentice under the award.

(iii) The minimum adult apprentice wage is payable from the beginning of the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2025.

(iv) Adult apprentices aged 21 years or more employed on a part-time basis shall not be paid less than pro rata the minimum adult apprentice wage according to the hours worked.

(v) The rates paid in the paragraphs above to an apprentice 21 years of age or more are payable on superannuation and during any period of paid leave prescribed by this award.

(vi) Where in this award an additional rate is expressed as a percentage, fraction or multiple of the ordinary rate of pay, it shall be calculated upon the rate prescribed in this award for the actual year of apprenticeship.



FIFTH SCHEDULE - BUILDING MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY WAGES AND CONDITIONS

Where there is any inconsistency between this Schedule of the award and all other parts of the award, this Schedule shall apply to the extent of that inconsistency. Where a specific provision is not contained in this Schedule, the award shall apply.

(1) Annual Leave:

The provisions of subclauses (15) and (17) in Clause 23. - Annual Leave of the award shall not apply to Building Management Authority employees.

(2) Training Leave: The provisions of Clause 36. - Training Leave of the award shall not apply to Building Management Authority employees.

(3) Structural Efficiency: The provisions of Clause 37. - Structural Efficiency of the award shall not apply to Building Management Authority employees.

(4) Definitions: The provisions of subclause (2) in Clause 5. - Classification Structure and Definitions of the award shall not apply to Building Management Authority employees. Instead, the provisions contained in the Fourth Schedule - Definitions of Previous Classifications of this award will continue to apply.

(5) Wages:

(a) The wages for Building Management Authority employees from the beginning of the first pay period commencing on or after 1 July 2025 will be as follows:

Classification
On Engagement $
Safety Net Adjustment $
Total Rate Per Week $
Engineering Tradesperson:



Level 4 - Group A
492.60
663.60
1156.20
Group B
502.30
667.30
1169.60
Group closed
511.70
670.80
1182.50
Level 3A
465.40
653.20
1118.60
Level 3B
457.70
653.30
1111.00
Level 2
442.00
647.40
1089.40
Level 1
436.00
645.20
1081.20




Engineering Employee


Level 4 - Group A
406.20
629.10
1035.30
Group B
392.70
625.20
1017.90
Group C
384.20
622.90
1007.10
Group D
381.70
622.20
1003.90
Level 3
370.00
618.90
988.90
Level 2
363.00
616.80
979.80
Level 1
341.90
611.10
953.00




Classification
After One Year of Service $
Safety Net Adjustment $
Total Rate Per Week
Engineering Tradesperson:


Level 4 - Group A
498.60
665.70
1164.30
Group B
508.30
669.80
1178.10
Group C
517.70
670.30
1188.00
Level 3A
471.10
655.60
1126.70
Level 3B
462.60
652.40
1115.00
Level 2
447.30
649.50
1096.80
Level 1
441.20
647.00
1088.20




Engineering Employee:


Level 4 - Group A
411.10
630.70
1041.80
Group B
397.10
626.70
1023.80
Group C
388.20
624.00
1012.20
Group D
383.90
622.90
1006.80
Level 3
374.50
620.30
994.80
Level 2
367.10
618.20
985.30
Level 1
346.00
612.00
958.00




Classification
After Two Years of Service $
Safety Net Adjustment $
Total Rate Per Week $
Engineering Tradesperson:


Level 4 - Group A
503.60
667.70
1171.30
Group B
513.30
671.40
1184.70
Group C
523.10
675.20
1198.30
Level 3A
475.50
657.00
1132.50
Level 3B
467.30
654.20
1121.50
Level 2
451.50
650.90
1102.40
Level 1
445.60
648.50
1094.10




Engineering Employee


Level 4 - Group A
415.00
631.70
1046.70
Group B
401.10
627.70
1028.80
Group C
391.90
625.00
1016.90
Group D
386.90
623.60
1010.50
Level 3
378.00
621.10
999.10
Level 2
370.80
619.20
990.00
Level 1
349.10
613.00
962.10

The rates of pay in this award include arbitrated safety net adjustments available since December 1993, under the Arbitrated Safety Net Adjustment Principle.

These arbitrated safety net adjustments may be offset against any equivalent amount in the rate of pay received by employees since 1 November 1991 above the rate prescribed in the award except where such absorption is contrary to the terms of an industrial agreement.

Increases in rates of pay otherwise made under the State Wage Case Principles, excepting those resulting from enterprise agreements, are not to be used to offset arbitrated safety net adjustments.

(b) Level Classifications:

(i) "Engineering Tradesperson - Level 4" includes the classifications of:

Electronics Tradesperson Groups A, B and C
Instrumentation and Controls Tradesperson Groups A, B and C

(ii) "Engineering Tradesperson - Level 3" includes the classifications of:

Electrician - Special Class
Mechanical Tradesperson - Special Class
Instrument Tradesperson - Complex Systems

(iii) "Engineering Tradesperson - Level 2" includes the classifications of:

Tradesperson with marking off responsibilities
Welder - Special Class
Electrician Tradesperson (Building Management Authority) - Licensed and required to person electrical installing and electrical fitting work

(iv) "Engineering Tradesperson - Level 1" includes the classifications of:

Electrical Fitter and/or Armature Winder
Electrical Installer
First Class Machinist
Fitter
Installer - low voltage equipment
Motor Mechanic
Refrigeration Fitter
Welder - First Class

(v) "Engineering Employee - Level 4" includes the classifications of:

Certified Rigger and Splicer or Scaffolder on ships and buildings
Tool Storeperson

(vi) "Engineering Employee - Level 3" includes the classifications of:

Welder - Second Class

(vii) "Engineering Employee - Level 2" includes the classifications of:

Trades Assistant
Welder - Fourth Class

(viii) "Engineering Tradesperson - Level 1" includes the classifications of:

Labourer

(c) In addition to the wage rates provided in paragraph (a) hereof, electricians employed by the Building Management Authority will receive an all-purpose payment of $41.50 per week.

(d) In addition to the wage rates prescribed in paragraph (a) hereof, by agreement between the employer, the employee and the Union, evidenced in writing, a Mechanical Fitter and a Refrigeration Mechanic may receive 25% loading in lieu of overtime payments.

(e) Leading hand electricians who are required to perform duties over and above those normally required of leading hands shall be paid an all-purpose allowance of $56.10 per week in addition to the relevant leading hand rate prescribed in subclause (8) of the First Schedule – Wages of this Award.

(6) Conditions:

All other conditions will be in accordance with the award, with the following exceptions arising from Order No. A3 of 1990 -

(a) Spread of Hours

The ordinary working hours shall be in accordance with the following provisions.

(i) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, the ordinary working hours of employees shall be an average of 38 per week, to be worked as 76 hours over nine days of equal duration per fortnight, exclusive of Saturdays and Sundays, between the hours of 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.

(ii) Starting or finishing times outside the limit prescribed in sub-paragraph (a) hereof may, in any particular case, be fixed by agreement between the employer and the union or unions concerned.

(b) Rostered Day Off

The 10th day of each work cycle shall be an unpaid day off, which shall be the first or last day of the week and the employer is responsible for the preparation of the roster which will allow one day off in each ten day working cycle. The rosters shall be maintained by the employer and alterations may be made to meet the needs of the employer by agreement between the parties.

(i) By agreement, rosters may be arranged to ensure that workplaces are not subject to a general close-down on any day and, on rostered days off, workplaces are sufficiently staffed to maximise productivity.

(ii) By agreement, during peak periods of work a maximum of three rostered days off may be postponed and accumulated, to be taken during periods of reduced work load, provided that the period of postponement may not exceed three months. The accrued rostered days off will be taken by agreement between the employer and the employee and the employer's consent will not be unreasonably withheld.

(iii) Where an apprentice's unpaid day off falls within a period of block release, an alternative paid day off will be arranged at a time mutually convenient to the employer and the apprentice.

(iv) Higher duties allowance will not be paid on the rostered day off duty.

(c) Re-scheduling of Rostered Days Off

By agreement between the employer and employees concerned, the scheduled unpaid rostered day off falling within a particular work cycle may be altered, in which case -

(i) The original scheduled rostered day off shall be treated as an ordinary working day.

(ii) The re-scheduled rostered day off shall be so arranged to occur within ten working days of the original, in lieu of overtime rates, provided that, in special circumstances, longer periods may be agreed.

(iii) The re-scheduled rostered day off shall be taken on a Monday or Friday, unless another day is agreed in writing between the employer and the employee concerned.

(d) Meal Breaks

(i) There shall be a cessation of work and of working time each day for the purpose of a meal break. Such meal break shall not be less than 30 minutes nor more than one hour and taken as agreed between the employees directly concerned and the appropriate manager.

(ii) Provided that an employee may not be compelled to work beyond five hours without a meal break.

(iii) The normal meal break prescribed by this subclause shall occur between 12.00 noon and 2.00 p.m.

(e) Rest Periods

Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, a rest period of ten minutes, from the time of ceasing to the time of resumption of work, shall be allowed each morning.

(i) The rest period shall be counted as time off duty, without deduction of pay and shall be arranged at a time and in a manner to suit the convenience of the employer.

(ii) Refreshments may be taken by employees during the rest period, but the period of ten minutes shall not be exceeded under any circumstances. The rest period in this paragraph shall be taken between 9.00 a.m. and 11.00 a.m..

(iii) The rest period prescribed herein shall be taken concurrently and not in addition to rest periods contained in any Special Rates provision which may become due at the same time.

(f) Pay Day and Methods

(i) Wages shall be paid fortnightly, by not later than Thursday, into an approved bank, building society account or other approved savings organisation, by electronic funds transfer.

(ii) There will be a holding period for three days, with a commitment to work towards a two day holding period if possible.

(iii) In the event of a public holiday following a pay day, arrangements will be made to have the pay available at the banking institution on Wednesday. The other provisions of this clause shall be adjusted accordingly.

(iv) Arrangements for any employee to leave work early on a pay day to check or access funds will not be available.

(7) Computing Quantities:

An employee, other than a leading hand, who is required to compute or estimate quantities of materials in respect of work performed by others, shall be paid $5.95 per day, or part thereof, in addition to the rates otherwise prescribed in this award.

(8) Travelling Time:

Electricians who operate mobile workshop vans or other such vehicles and are required to take the said vehicle home to facilitate starting and finishing on the job, shall be paid a daily allowance equivalent to 15 minutes additional work, at ordinary time rates, in lieu of the provisions under Clause 19. - Fares and Travelling Allowances of the award.