The Commission, of its own motion, initiated a review of the Plaster, Plasterglass and Cement Workers’ Award under s. 40B of the Industrial Relations Act 1979. The proceedings were initiated to ensure the award does not contain wages less than the statutory minimum wage, to remove discriminatory clauses and outdated provisions, and align to the award with current employment standards prescribed by the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993. 

The Commission provided notice of its intention to vary the Award to UnionsWA, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA, the Australian Resources and Energy Employers Association, the Minister for Industrial Relations, the named employer parties to the Award, the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries and the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union of Workers (WA) as the union party to the Award.  The Commission also sought further input from interested parties. The Minister and the Union both confirmed their support for the proposed variations with some further minor variations for accuracy and clarity. The variations were not opposed.

Key amendments to the award include the removal of the year from the title, grouping clauses under functional headings, updating definitions and references to outdated acts, and deleting obsolete clauses. Additionally, provisions for flexible working arrangements, termination of employment, wages, leave provisions – including family and domestic violence leave and parental leave, right of entry provisions and redundancy provisions have been updated to align with current standards and legislation.

 

The decision can be read here.