The Commission, of its own motion, initiated proceedings to vary the Theatrical Employees (Perth Theatre Trust) Award No 9 of 1983. The Award had not been varied substantively since 1998, and many of its provisions were outdated or obsolete. The Commission provided notice of its intention to vary the Award to parties to the award and relevant organisations, including UnionsWA and the Arts and Culture Trust (the Trust).

The Arts and Culture Trust raised four matters in relation to the proposed variations, including concerns regarding the financial burden of increased overtime rates for casual employees and the Trust’s preference that the travel and laundry allowances be raised on this occasion instead of being perpetually linked to the federal Modern Award. The Trust also suggested a clause providing for an allowance for licensed electricians be removed, due to electricians no longer being employed by the Trust. UnionsWA agreed with the Trust’s proposal to remove the clause pertaining to licensed electricians and expressed a preference for the allowances in the Award to be automatically indexed, but otherwise broadly agreed with the position of the Trust.

The Commission considered the matters raised and ordered that the Award be varied. Variations included the removal of obsolete clauses and the modernising of provisions to align with statutory requirements and facilitate the efficient performance of work, while balancing fairness to employees.

The decision can be read here.