The Commission of its own motion initiated two matters for variation of the Bakers’ (Metropolitan) Award No 13 of 1987 (Award) under ss 40B and 37D of the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (IR Act). The proceedings, which were dealt with in tandem, were initiated to consolidate this award with the Bakers’ (Country) Award No. 18 of 1977 and the Pastrycooks’ Award No. 24 of 1981, as all three contained outdated provisions. The review of the Award was conducted to ensure the award does not contain wages less than the statutory minimum wage, to remove outdated and obsolete provisions, and to ensure compliance with current employment standards prescribed by the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 (WA).

The Commission provided notice of its intention to vary the Award to UnionsWA, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, the Minister for Industrial Relations, and the United Workers Union, Western Australian branch as the union party to the Award. The Commission also provided notice of its intention to vary the Award to the Baking Industry Employers Association of Western Australia, and 15 employers. The Commission also sought further input from interested parties, including the Private Sector Labour Relations division of the Department of Local Government.

Key amendments include:

• The Award's scope was expanded to cover all baking industry employers and employees in Western Australia without geographical limits, reflecting the repeal of the Bread Act 1982 and removing anomalous boundaries between metropolitan and country areas.
•  The Award's title being changed to the Baking Industry Award.
•  Provisions for wages and allowances were simplified, removing obsolete safety net references and classifications from the Pastrycooks’ Award No. 24 of 1981 were included.
• The provisions for leave entitlements – including family and domestic violence leave and parental leave, have been updated to align with current standards and legislation.
• Hours of work clauses were simplified following repeal of the Bread Act 1982, with overtime provisions updated to reference the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 (WA). Penalty rates were restructured for clarity, and provisions from consolidated awards were incorporated to preserve conditions.
• Provisions related to records and right of entry, posting of the Award, and dispute resolution were revised for modern compliance and clarity, including removal of obsolete references and enabling electronic provision of the Award.

The changes took effect from 1 October 2025.

 

The decision can be read here.