Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020
This Fair Work Commission consolidated modern award incorporates all amendments up to and including 27 August 2024 ( PR777293 and PR778031 ).
Clause(s) affected by the most recent variation(s):
2 — Definitions
11 — Casual employees
13A—Employee right to disconnect
29 — Dispute resolution
Part 1— Application and Operation of this Award
1. Title and commencement
1.1 This award is the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 .
1.2 This modern award commenced operation on 1 January 2010. The terms of the award have been varied since that date .
1.3 A variation to this award does not affect any right, privilege, obligation or liability that a person acquired, accrued or incurred under the award as it existed prior to that variation.
2. Definitions
[Varied by PR733889 , PR774775 , PR777293 ]
In this award, unless the contrary intention appears:
Act means the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
broken shift means a shift with a spread of hours permitted under the relevant State or Territory driving hours legislation and with an unpaid break of greater than 60 minutes between the 2 portions of work.
[Definition of casual employee inserted by PR733889 from 27Sep21; varied by PR777293 from 27Aug24 ]
casual employee has the meaning given by section 15A of the Act .
NOTE: Section 15A of the Act was amended with effect from 26 August 2024. Under clause 102(3) of Schedule 1 to the Act , an existing employee who was a casual employee of an employer under section 15A as it was immediately before that date is taken to be a casual employee of the employer for the purposes of section 15A after that date.
defined benefit member has the meaning given by the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth).
early or late work means work performed before 6.00 am and after 7.00 pm.
employee means national system employee within the meaning of the Act .
[Definition of employee organisation inserted by PR774775 from 01Jul24]
employee organisation has the meaning given by section 12 of Act .
employer means national system employer within the meaning of the Act .
[Definition of enterprise inserted by PR774775 from 01Jul24]
enterprise has the meaning given by section 12 of the Act .
exempt public sector superannuation scheme has the meaning given by the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth).
motor vehicle means any motorised vehicle capable of carrying less than 8 persons and used for hire, charter or reward.
MySuper product has the meaning given by the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth).
NES means the National Employment Standards as contained in sections 59 to 131 of the Act .
on-hire means the on-hire of an employee by their employer to a client, where such employee works under the general guidance and instruction of the client or a representative of the client.
passenger vehicle includes motor vehicle, limousine, hire car, bus, coach, electric tramway, monorail and light rail.
Passenger vehicle transportation industry has the meaning given in clause 4.2 .
rostered day off means an authorised day’s leave derived from the implementation of a working pattern under clause 13.1(c)(i) .
[Definition of small business employer inserted by PR774775 from 01Jul24]
small business employer has the meaning given by section 23 of the Act .
specified route service means any route service on which a passenger vehicle operates, excluding a dedicated school bus service, for which the employer is obliged to run, including operations under a contract with the Federal or any State Government or any instrumentality.
standard rate means the minimum weekly rate for a Grade 3 employee in clause 15.1 .
two-driver operation means any express, charter or tour operation upon which a driver is employed with another driver in a two-driver team and required to share the driving and associated duties for the whole or substantial part of that operation (but will not include a related feeder or shuttle service driven by another driver).
waiting time means time, excluding meal breaks, in which no demand for work is made upon the driver and the driver is placed under no restraint as to their movements and is not otherwise on-call by the employer.
[Definition of workplace delegate inserted by PR774775 from 01Jul24]
workplace delegate has the meaning given by section 350C(1) of the Act .
3. The National Employment Standards and this award
3.1 The National Employment Standards (NES) and this award contain the minimum conditions of employment for employees covered by this award.
3.2 Where this award refers to a condition of employment provided for in the NES , the NES definition applies.
3.3 The employer must ensure that copies of this award and the NES are available to all employees to whom they apply , either on a notice board which is conveniently located at or near the workplace or through accessible electronic means.
4. Coverage
4.1 This industry award covers employers throughout Australia in the passenger vehicle transportation industry and their employees in the classifications listed in clause 15 — Minimum rates to the exclusion of any other modern award.
4.2 Passenger vehicle transportation industry means the transport of passengers by :
(a) motor vehicle, limousine or hire car;
(b) bus or coach; and
(c) electric tramway, monorail or light rail.
4.3 This award covers any employer which supplies labour on an on-hire basis in the passenger vehicle transportation industry in respect of on-hire employees in classifications covered by this award, and those on-hire employees, while engaged in the performance of work for a business in that industry. Clause 4.3 operates subject to the exclusions from coverage in this award.
4.4 This award covers employers which provide group training services for trainees engaged in the passenger vehicle transportation industry and/or parts of that industry and those trainees engaged by a group training service hosted by a company to perform work at a location where the activities described in clause 4.1 are being performed. Clause 4.4 operates subject to the exclusions from coverage in this award.
4.5 This award does not cover:
(a) employees excluded from award coverage by the Act ;
(b) employees who are covered by a modern enterprise award or an enterprise instrument (within the meaning of the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 (Cth)), or employers in relation to those employees; or
(c) employees who are covered by a State reference public sector modern award or a State reference public sector transitional award (within the meaning of the Fair Work (Transitional Provisions and Consequential Amendments) Act 2009 (Cth)), or employers in relation to those employees.
4.6 Where an employer is covered by more than one award, an employee of that employer is covered by the award classification which is most appropriate to the work performed by the employee and to the environment in which the employee normally performs the work.
NOTE: Where there is no classification for a particular employee in this award it is possible that the employer and that employee are covered by an award with occupational coverage.
5. Individual flexibility arrangements
5.1 Despite anything else in this award, an employer and an individual employee may agree to vary the application of the terms of this award relating to any of the following in order to meet the genuine needs of both the employee and the employer:
(a) arrangements for when work is performed; or
(b) overtime rates; or
(c) penalty rates; or
(d) allowances; or
(e) annual leave loading.
5.2 An agreement must be one that is genuinely made by the employer and the individual employee without coercion or duress.
5.3 An agreement may only be made after the individual employee has commenced employment with the employer.
5.4 An employer who wishes to initiate the making of an agreement must:
(a) give the employee a written proposal; and
(b) if the employer is aware that the employee has, or reasonably should be aware that the employee may have, limited understanding of written English, take reasonable steps (including providing a translation in an appropriate language) to ensure that the employee understands the proposal.
5.5 An agreement must result in the employee being better off overall at the time the agreement is made than if the agreement had not been made.
5.6 An agreement must do all of the following:
(a) state the names of the employer and the employee; and
(b) identify the award term, or award terms, the application of which is to be varied; and
(c) set out how the application of the award term, or each award term, is varied; and
(d) set out how the agreement results in the employee being better off overall at the time the agreement is made than if the agreement had not been made; and
(e) state the date the agreement is to start.
5.7 An agreement must be:
(a) in writing; and
(b) signed by the employer and the employee and, if the employee is under 18 years of age, by the employee’s parent or guardian.
5.8 Except as provided in clause 5.7(b) , an agreement must not require the approval or consent of a person other than the employer and the employee.
5.9 The employer must keep the agreement as a time and wages record and give a copy to the employee.
5.10 The employer and the employee must genuinely agree, without duress or coercion to any variation of an award provided for by an agreement.
5.11 An agreement may be terminated:
(a) at any time, by written agreement between the employer and the employee; or
(b) by the employer or employee giving 13 weeks’ written notice to the other party (reduced to 4 weeks if the agreement was entered into before the first full pay period starting on or after 4 December 2013).
NOTE: If an employer and employee agree to an arrangement that purports to be an individual flexibility arrangement under this award term and the arrangement does not meet a requirement set out in section 144 then the employee or the employer may terminate the arrangement by giving written notice of not more than 28 days (see section 145 of the Act ).
5.12 An agreement terminated as mentioned in clause 5.11(b) ceases to have effect at the end of the period of notice required under that clause.
5.13 The right to make an agreement under clause 5 is additional to, and does not affect, any other term of this award that provides for an agreement between an employer and an individual employee.
6. Requests for flexible working arrangements
[6 substituted by PR763268 ppc 01Aug23]
Requests for flexible working arrangements are provided for in the NES .
NOTE: Disputes about requests for flexible working arrangements may be dealt with under clause 29 — Dispute resolution and/or under section 65B of the Act .
7. Facilitative provisions
7.1 A facilitative provision provides that the standard approach in an award provision may be departed from by agreement between an employer and an individual employee, or an employer and the majority of employees in the enterprise or part of the enterprise concerned.
7.2 Facilitative provisions in this award are contained in the following clauses:
Clause |
Provision |
Agreement between an employer and: |
13.1(c) |
Accumulation of rostered days off |
An individual |
13.2(c) |
Ordinary hours of work and rostering—changes to roster |
An individual |
19.3 |
Time off instead of payment for overtime |
An individual |
21.4 |
Annual leave in advance |
An individual |
21.8 |
Cashing out of annual leave |
An individual |
26.3 |
Substitution of public holidays by agreement |
An individual |
Part 2— Types of Employment and Classifications
8. Types of employment
8.1 Employees will be employed in one of the following categories:
(a) full-time;
(b) part-time; or
(c) casual.
8.2 At the time of engagement, an employer will inform each employee of the terms of their engagement and, in particular, whether they are to be full-time, part-time or casual. This decision will then be recorded in a time and wages record.
9. Full-time employees
9.1 A full-time employee:
(a) is engaged to work an average of 38 ordinary hours per week; and
(b) must receive a minimum payment of 4 hours for each shift/day engaged.
10. Part-time employees
10.1 A part-time employee:
(a) is engaged to work less than 38 ordinary hours per week; and
(b) has reasonably predictable hours of work.
10.2 The terms of this award must apply pro rata to part-time employees on the basis that ordinary weekly hours for full-time employees are 38.
10.3 Before commencing part-time employment, the employee and employer must agree upon:
(a) the usual hours to be worked by the employee;
(b) the days upon which they will be worked;
(c) the expected commencing and finishing times for the work; and
(d) the classification applying to the work to be performed.
10.4 The terms of the agreement in clause 10.3 may be varied by consent.
10.5 The terms of the agreement or any variation to it must be in writing and retained by the employer. The employer must provide a copy of the agreement, and any variation to it, to the employee.
10.6 Additional hours to those specified in clause 10.3(a) to 10.3(c) may be offered and worked by agreement. Where a part-time employee agrees to work additional time then that time will stand alone and count towards the ordinary hours of duty for that week.
10.7 Except as otherwise provided in this award, a part-time employee is entitled to be paid for the hours agreed upon in accordance with clause 10.3(a) to 10.3(c) and clause 10.6 at the minimum hourly rate for the employee’s classification.
10.8 A part-time employee must receive a minimum payment of 3 hours for each day they are engaged.
10.9 All time worked in excess of the agreed hours referred to in clause 10.3(a) to 10.3(c) and clause 10.6 will be paid at the appropriate overtime rate.
11. Casual employees
[Varied by PR733889 , PR777293 ]
[11.1 deleted by PR733889 from 27Sep21]
[11.2 renumbered as 11.1 by PR733889 from 27Sep21]
11.1 An employer must, wherever practicable, notify a casual employee if their services are not required the next working day.
11.2 Casual loading
[11.3 renumbered as 11.2 by PR733889 from 27Sep21]
(a) For each ordinary hour worked, a casual employee must be paid:
(i) the minimum hourly rate; and
(ii) a loading of 25% of the minimum hourly rate,
for the classification in which they are employed.
11.3 Minimum engagement for a casual employee
[11.4 renumbered as 11.3 by PR733889 from 27Sep21]
(a) A casual employee must receive:
(i) a minimum payment of 3 hours for each shift; or
(ii) where solely engaged for the purpose of transportation of school children to and from school, a casual employee may be rostered to perform one engagement or 2 separate engagements per day, with a minimum payment of 2 hours for each separate engagement.
11.4 Changes to casual employment status
[11.5 renumbered as 11.4 and renamed and substituted by PR733889 from 27Sep21; renamed and substituted by PR777293 from 27Aug24 ]
A pathway for employees to change from casual employment to full-time or part-time employment is provided for in the NES . See sections 66A to 66MA of the Act .
NOTE: Disputes about changes to casual employment status may be dealt with under sections 66M and 66MA of the Act and/or under clause 29 — Dispute resolution .
12. Classifications
The classification definitions of employees are set out in Schedule A —Classifications .
Part 3— Hours of Work
13. Ordinary hours of work and rostering
13.1 Ordinary hours and roster cycles
(a) The ordinary hours of work for a full-time employee will be an average of 38 hours per week.
(b) The ordinary hours of work for a full-time employee may be worked on any day of the week averaged as follows:
(i) 38 hours on up to 5 days within a work cycle not exceeding 7 consecutive days;
(ii) 76 hours on up to 10 days within a work cycle not exceeding 14 consecutive days;
(iii) 114 hours on up to 15 days within a work cycle not exceeding 21 consecutive days; or
(iv) 152 hours on up to 20 days within a work cycle not exceeding 28 consecutive days.
(c) Ordinary hours for a full-time employee may be worked by:
(i) providing for one accrued rostered day off (8 hours) and 19 days of work over a continuous 4 week period. Provided that, by agreement between the employer and employee, accrued rostered days off may be accumulated to a maximum of 10 such days over a 40 week period; or
(ii) in accordance with clause 13.1(b) .
(d) The ordinary hours of work for a part-time employee will be determined in accordance with clause 10.1(a) , 10.3 , 10.4 , 10.5 and 10.6 .
(e) The ordinary hours of work for a casual employee will be up to 38 hours per week.
(f) Ordinary hours, exclusive of meal breaks, must not exceed 10 hours on any one day.
13.2 Notice requirements
(a) All known rostered duty, which may include broken shifts and days off, must be displayed at least 7 days before the start of the rostered duty.
(b) Changes to the roster, including alterations to days off, must be displayed at least 24 hours in advance and the employee must be notified.
(c) Any changes for which less than 24 hours’ notice has been given must be agreed to by the employee.
13.3 Coach/bus driver employees on single day charters
(a) An employee engaged as a coach driver or a bus driver on a single day charter may have a rostered shift divided into 2 working periods with no requirement to return to the depot during a rostered shift.
(b) The coach/bus driver will be paid waiting time at the rate of 50% of the minimum hourly rate plus any applicable penalty or loading.
(c) Paid waiting time will not be taken into account when calculating overtime.
13A. Employee right to disconnect
[13A inserted by PR778031 from 26Aug24]
13A.1 Clause 13A provides for the exercise of an employee’s right to disconnect under section 333M of the Act .
NOTE:
(a) Section 333M provides that, unless it is unreasonable to do so, an employee may refuse to monitor, read or respond to contact, or attempted contact, from:
(1) their employer outside of the employee’s working hours,
(2) a third party if the contact or attempted contact relates to, their work and is outside of the employee's working hours.
(b) Section 333M(3) lists matters that must be taken into account in determining whether an employee’s refusal is unreasonable.
(c) Section 333M(5) provides that an employee’s refusal will be unreasonable if the contact or attempted contact is required under a law of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory.
(d) Section 333N provides for the resolution of disputes about whether an employee’s refusal is unreasonable and about the operation of section 333M.
(e) The general protections in Part 3–1 of the Act prohibit an employer taking adverse action against an employee because of the employee’s right to disconnect under section 333M of the Act .
13A.2 Clause 13A applies from the following dates:
(a) 26 August 2024—for employers that are not small business employers on this date and their employees.
(b) 26 August 2025—for employers that are small business employers on 26 August 2024 and their employees.
13A.3 An employer must not directly or indirectly prevent an employee from exercising their right to disconnect under the Act .
14. B reaks
14.1 An employee may be rostered for an unpaid meal break of between 30 minutes and one hour to be taken at the depot or any other reasonable location.
14.2 An employee must not be required to work for more than 5 and a half hours without a break for a meal.
14.3 Where a rostered meal break cannot be provided, an employee will be provided with a paid crib break of between 15 and 30 minutes to be taken at any reasonable location.
Part 4— Wages and Allowances
15. Minimum rates
[Varied by PR720159 , PR718881 , PR729321 , PR740746 , PR762172 , PR773949 ]
[15.1 varied by PR718881 , PR729321 , PR740746 , PR762172 , PR773949 ppc 01Jul24]
15.1 An employer must pay adult employees the following minimum wage rates for ordinary hours worked by the employee:
Employee classification |
Minimum weekly rate (full-time employee) |
Minimum hourly rate |
|
$ |
$ |
Grade 1 |
958.20 |
25.22 |
Grade 2 |
980.40 |
25.80 |
Grade 3 |
1035.70 |
27.26 |
Grade 4 |
1072.20 |
28.22 |
Grade 5 |
1131.10 |
29.77 |
Grade 6 |
1181.10 |
31.08 |
NOTE: See Schedule B —Summary of Hourly Rates of Pay for a summary of hourly rates of pay including overtime and penalty rates.
15.2 Junior rates
(a) Junior employees will be entitled to a percentage of the applicable adult rate for their classification as follows:
Age |
% of applicable adult rate |
Under 19 years |
70 |
19 years |
80 |
20 years |
100 |
(b) Where a junior employee aged 18 years or more is required to drive a passenger vehicle and is in sole charge of that vehicle, the employee must be paid the adult rate assigned to the class of driving work that the employee is required to perform.
15.3 Higher duties
An employee required by the employer to perform the duties of a higher grade for at least 2 hours on any shift or day, must be paid the higher rate for all work done on that day or shift.
15.4 Supported wage system
For employees who because of the effects of a disability are eligible for a supported wage, see Schedule D —Supported Wage System .
[15.5(a) varied by PR720159 ppc 18Jun20]
(a) Schedule E to the Miscellaneous Award 2020 sets out minimum wage rates and conditions for employees undertaking traineeships.
[15.5(b) varied by PR720159 ppc 18Jun20, PR718881 , PR729321 , PR740746 , PR762172 , PR773949 ppc 01Jul24]
(b) This award incorporates the terms of Schedule E to the Miscellaneous Award 2020 as at 1 July 2024 . Provided that any reference to “this award” in Schedule E to the Miscellaneous Award 2020 is to be read as referring to the Passenger Vehicle Transportation Award 2020 and not the Miscellaneous Award 2020 .
16. Payment of wages
[Varied by PR719900 ]
NOTE: Regulations 3.33(3) and 3.46(1)(g) of Fair Work Regulations 2009 set out the requirements for pay records and the content of payslips including the requirement to separately identify any allowance paid.
16.1 All earnings, including overtime, must be paid either weekly or fortnightly in the employer’s time on a day to be fixed by the employer. Payment will be no later than Thursday in the pay period.
16.2 Once fixed, the pay day must not be altered more than once in 3 months.
16.3 All earnings, including overtime, must be paid within 2 days of the expiration of the pay period in which they accrue.
[16.4 deleted by PR719900 ppc 11Jun20]
[16.5 renumbered as 16.4 by PR719900 ppc 11Jun20]
16.4 The employer may pay an employee by electronic funds transfer to a bank account nominated by an employee.
16.5 Payment on termination of employment
[New 16.5 inserted by PR719900 ppc 11Jun20]
(a) The employer must pay an employee no later than 7 days after the day on which the employee’s employment terminates:
(i) the employee’s wages under this award for any complete or incomplete pay period up to the end of the day of termination; and
(ii) all other amounts that are due to the employee under this award and the NES .
(b) The requirement to pay wages and other amounts under clause 16.5(a) is subject to further order of the Commission and the employer making deductions authorised by this award or the Act .
NOTE 1: Section 117(2) of the Act provides that an employer must not terminate an employee’s employment unless the employer has given the employee the required minimum period of notice or “has paid” to the employee payment instead of giving notice.
NOTE 2: Clause 16.5(b) allows the Commission to make an order delaying the requirement to make a payment under clause 16.5 . For example, the Commission could make an order delaying the requirement to pay redundancy pay if an employer makes an application under section 120 of the Act for the Commission to reduce the amount of redundancy pay an employee is entitled to under the NES .
NOTE 3: State and Territory long service leave laws or long service leave entitlements under section 113 of the Act , may require an employer to pay an employee for accrued long service leave on the day on which the employee’s employment terminates or shortly after.
17. Allowances
[Varied by PR718881 , PR719034 , PR729321 , PR729506 , PR740746 , PR740913 , PR762172 , PR762339 , PR773949 , PR774118 ]
NOTE: Regulations 3.33(3) and 3.46(1)(g) of Fair Work Regulations 2009 set out the requirements for pay records and the content of payslips including the requirement to separately identify any allowance paid.
17.1 Employers must pay to an employee the allowances the employee is entitled to under clause 17 .
NOTE: See Schedule C —Summary of Monetary Allowances for a summary of monetary allowances and method of adjustment.
17.2 Wage-related allowances
[17.2(a) varied by PR718881 , PR729321 , PR740746 , PR762172 , PR773949 ppc 01Jul24]
An employee who has been trained to provide first aid and who is the current holder of appropriate first aid qualifications such as a certificate from St John Ambulance or similar body must be paid a weekly allowance of $19.68 if appointed by the employer as a first aid officer.
[17.2(b) varied by PR718881 , PR729321 , PR740746 , PR762172 , PR773949 ppc 01Jul24]
An employee required to drive an articulated bus will be paid an additional $16.16 for that shift.
17.3 Expense-related allowances and reimbursements
[17.3(a) varied by PR719034 , PR729506 , PR740913 , PR762339 , PR774118 ppc 01Jul24]
A meal allowance of $ 16.30 will be paid to employees who work more than 2 hours’ overtime beyond their ordinary finishing time.
(b) Log book/work diary allowance
An employee who is required to purchase a log book/work diary for the purpose of recording driving hours will be reimbursed by the employer for the cost of the log book/work diary.
(c) Uniform allowance
An employee required to wear a uniform (including boots or other required footwear) will be reimbursed for all reasonable and necessary costs incurred in purchasing that uniform if the uniform is not provided by the employer.
(d) Living away from home allowance
(i) An employee whose employment necessitates absence from home and who is unable to conveniently return home will be paid a minimum of 8 hours per day Monday to Friday and a minimum of 8 hours per day on Saturdays or Sundays plus penalty rates for actual time worked on any such day in accordance with Part 5— Overtime and Penalty Rates .
(ii) The employer will either reimburse the employee for reasonable costs incurred by the employee when living away from home or provide accommodation and all meals.
(i) An employee starting or finishing work at a place, other than the ordinary starting or finishing place, will be paid at ordinary rates for travelling time in excess of that normally spent in travelling to and from home.
(ii) Travelling time will not be taken into account when calculating overtime.
(iii) The employer will reimburse an employee for any reasonable travelling expenses incurred in connection with the provisions of clause 17.3(e) .
(f) Vehicle allowance
[17.3(f)(i) varied by PR729506 , PR740913 , PR762339 , PR774118 ppc 01Jul24]
(i) An employee will be paid an allowance of $0.98 per kilometre where no form of public transport is available and the employee is required to use a personal vehicle for transportation between:
• the ordinary starting and finishing place; and
• any other place of work decided by the employer.
[17.3(f)(ii) varied by PR729506 , PR740913 , PR762339 , PR774118 ppc 01Jul24]
(ii) An allowance of $ 0.98 per kilometre will be paid to an employee who by agreement with their employer uses the employee’s own vehicle in the course of their work.
(g) Medical examination allowance
(i) An employer may require an employee, and the employee will agree, to submit to a medical examination upon engagement, and periodically after that at the discretion of the employer provided that the medical is limited to ensuring that the employee is capable of performing the inherent requirements of the job .
(ii) All medical evidence will be made available to the employer/employee on request, provided that the medical evidence is limited to ensuring that the employee is capable of performing the inherent requirements of the job.
(iii) Where the employer requires an employee to undertake a medical examination the employer will pay the employee an allowance equal to the difference between the cost of the examination and the Medicare rebate.
(iv) An employee required to undertake a medical examination for the purposes of obtaining a relevant licence will be paid an allowance in accordance with clause 17.3(g)(iii) , provided that the employer determines the certified medical practitioner who is to perform the examination.
18. Superannuation
[Varied by PR771338 ]
18.1 Superannuation legislation
[18.1 substituted by PR771338 ppc 09Apr24]
(a) The NES and Superannuation legislation, including the Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 (Cth), the Superannuation Guarantee Charge Act 1992 (Cth), the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 (Cth) and the Superannuation (Resolution of Complaints) Act 1993 (Cth), deal with the superannuation rights and obligations of employers and employees.
(b) The rights and obligations in clause 18 supplement those in superannuation legislation and the NES .
NOTE: Under superannuation legislation:
(a) Individual employees generally have the opportunity to choose their own superannuation fund.
(b) If a new employee does not choose a superannuation fund, the employer must ask the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) whether the employee is an existing member of a stapled superannuation fund and, if stapled fund details are provided by the ATO, make contributions to the stapled fund.
(c) If an employee does not choose a superannuation fund and does not have a stapled fund, the choice of superannuation fund requirements will be satisfied by contributions made to a superannuation fund nominated in the award covering the employee, provided the fund is able to accept contributions for the benefit of the employee.
(d) A fund may not be able to accept contributions for the benefit of an employee if the employee would be a new member of the fund’s MySuper product and the MySuper product is closed to new members because it has failed the performance tests of Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) for 2 consecutive years.
An employer must make such superannuation contributions to a superannuation fund for the benefit of an employee as will avoid the employer being required to pay the superannuation guarantee charge under superannuation legislation with respect to that employee.
18.3 Voluntary employee contributions
(a) Subject to the governing rules of the relevant superannuation fund, an employee may, in writing, authorise their employer to pay on behalf of the employee a specified amount from the post-taxation wages of the employee into the same superannuation fund as the employer makes the superannuation contributions provided for in clause 18.2 .
(b) An employee may adjust the amount the employee has authorised their employer to pay from the wages of the employee from the first of the month following the giving of three months’ written notice to their employer.
(c) The employer must pay the amount authorised under clauses 18.3(a) or 18.3(b) no later than 28 days after the end of the month in which the deduction authorised under clauses 18.3(a) or 18.3(b) was made.
18.4 Superannuation fund
[18.4 varied by PR771338 ppc 09Apr24]
Unless, to comply with superannuation legislation, the employer is required to make the superannuation contributions provided for in clause 18.2 to another superannuation fund, the employer must make the superannuation contributions provided for in clause 18.2 and pay any amount authorised under clauses 18.3(a) or 18.3(b) to one of the following superannuation funds or its successor, provided that, in respect of new employees, the fund is able to accept new beneficiaries:
(a) Tasplan;
(b) TWUSUPER;
(c) AustralianSuper;
(d) QBIC Super Fund (MLC MasterKey Business Super);
(e) Statewide;
(f) any superannuation fund to which the employer was making superannuation contributions for the benefit of its employees before 12 September 2008, provided the superannuation fund is an eligible choice fund and is a fund that offers a MySuper product or is an exempt public sector superannuation scheme; or
(g) a superannuation fund or scheme which the employee is a defined benefit member of.
Part 5— Overtime and Penalty Rates
19. Overtime
[Varied by PR763268 ]
(a) Overtime is any time worked in excess of:
(i) the hours in clause s 13.1(a) and 13.1(b) ; or
(ii) the rostered ordinary hours on any day.
19.2 Overtime as defined in clause 19.1 must be paid for at 150% of the minimum hourly rate for the first 3 hours and 200% of the minimum hourly rate after 3 hours.
19.3 Time off instead of payment for overtime
(a) An employee and employer may agree in writing to the employee taking time off instead of being paid for a particular amount of overtime that has been worked by the employee.
(b) Any amount of overtime that has been worked by an employee in a particular pay period and that is to be taken as time off instead of the employee being paid for it must be the subject of a separate agreement under clause 19.3 .
(c) An agreement must state each of the following:
(i) the number of overtime hours to which it applies and when those hours were worked;
(ii) that the employer and employee agree that the employee may take time off instead of being paid for the overtime;
(iii) that, if the employee requests at any time, the employer must pay the employee, for overtime covered by the agreement but not taken as time off, at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked;
(iv) that any payment mentioned in subparagraph 19.3(c)(iii) must be made in the next pay period following the request.
NOTE: An example of the type of agreement required by clause 19.3 is set out at Schedule E — Agreement for Time Off Instead of Payment for Overtime . There is no requirement to use the form of agreement set out at Schedule E — Agreement for Time Off Instead of Payment for Overtime . An agreement under clause 19.3 can also be made by an exchange of emails between the employee and employer, or by other electronic means.
(d) The period of time off that an employee is entitled to take is the same as the number of overtime hours worked.
EXAMPLE: By making an agreement under clause 19.3 an employee who worked 2 overtime hours is entitled to 2 hours’ time off.
(i) within the period of 6 months after the overtime is worked; and
(ii) at a time or times within that period of 6 months agreed by the employee and employer.
(f) If the employee requests at any time, to be paid for overtime covered by an agreement under clause 19.3 but not taken as time off, the employer must pay the employee for the overtime, in the next pay period following the request, at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked.
(g) If time off for overtime that has been worked is not taken within the period of 6 months mentioned in clause 19.3(e) , the employer must pay the employee for the overtime, in the next pay period following those 6 months, at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked.
(h) The employer must keep a copy of any agreement under clause 19.3 as an employee record.
(i) An employer must not exert undue influence or undue pressure on an employee in relation to a decision by the employee to make, or not make, an agreement to take time off instead of payment for overtime.
(j) An employee may, under section 65 of the Act , request to take time off, at a time or times specified in the request or to be subsequently agreed by the employer and the employee, instead of being paid for overtime worked by the employee. If the employer agrees to the request then clause 19.3 will apply, including the requirement for separate written agreements under clause 19.3(b) for overtime that has been worked.
[Note varied by PR763268 ppc 01Aug23]
NOTE: If an employee makes a request under section 65 of the Act for a change in working arrangements, the employer may only refuse that request on reasonable business grounds (see section 65A(3) of the Act ).
(k) If, on the termination of the employee’s employment, time off for overtime worked by the employee to which clause 19.3 applies has not been taken, the employer must pay the employee for the overtime at the overtime rate applicable to the overtime when worked.
NOTE: Under section 345(1) of the Act , a person must not knowingly or recklessly make a false or misleading representation about the workplace rights of another person under clause 19.3 .
19.4 Overtime rates and penalty rates (as set out in clauses 19 — Overtime and 20 — Penalty rates ) are not cumulative. Where the employee is entitled to overtime and penalty rates the employee will be paid the applicable rate that is higher.
20. Penalty rates
[Varied by PR747373 ]
20.1 Employees other than employees on two-driver operations
(a) An employee other than an employee on two-driver operations will be paid the following penalty rates for all ordinary hours worked by the employee during the following periods:
Time worked |
Penalty rate |
Casual penalty rate (inclusive of 25% loading) |
|
% of minimum hourly rate |
|
Early or late work 1 |
115 |
140 |
Saturday all hours |
150 |
175 |
Sunday all hours |
200 |
225 |
Public holiday all hours |
250 |
275 |
1. Early or late work means work before 6.00 am or after 7.00 pm.
(b) Penalty rates and overtime rates (as set out in clauses 19 — Overtime and 20 — Penalty rates ) are not cumulative. Where an employee is entitled to overtime and penalty rates the employee will be paid the applicable rate that is higher.
20.2 Employees on two-driver operations
[Paragraph in 20.2 renumbered as 20.2(a) by PR747373 ppc14Nov22]
(a) An employee on two-driver operations will be paid the following rates for all ordinary hours worked by the employee during the following periods:
Time worked |
Rate |
Casual rate (inclusive of 25% loading) 1 |
|
% of minimum hourly rate |
|
Monday to Friday—all hours |
100% |
125% |
Saturday—all hours |
125% |
125% |
Sunday—all hours |
150% |
150% |
Public holiday other than Good Friday and Christmas day |
100% plus an additional 8 hours at ordinary time |
100% plus an additional 8 hours at ordinary time |
Good Friday and Christmas Day |
125% plus an additional 8 hours at ordinary time |
125% plus an additional 8 hours at ordinary time |
1 The casual loading applies for ordinary hours worked on Monday to Friday.
[20.2(b) inserted by PR747373 ppc14Nov22]
(b) If a public holiday is a part-day public holiday, then clause 20.2(a) applies on a pro-rata basis for the number of ordinary hours on the part-day public holiday.
Part 6— Leave and Public Holidays
21. Annual leave
21.1 Annual leave is provided for in the NES .
21.2 For the purposes of section 87(1)(b) of the Act , a shiftworker means an employee who is a 7 day shiftworker who is regularly rostered to work on Sundays and public holidays.
21.3 Payment for annual leave
During each period of annual leave a full-time employee must be paid a loading of 17.5% on the minimum wage rate prescribed for their classification under this award. The loading does not apply to proportionate leave on termination of employment.
NOTE: Where an employee is receiving over-award payments such that the employee’s base rate of pay is higher than the rate specified under this award, the employee is entitled to receive the higher rate while on a period of paid annual leave (see sections 16 and 90 of the Act ).
(a) An employer and employee may agree in writing to the employee taking a period of paid annual leave before the employee has accrued an entitlement to the leave.
(b) An agreement must:
(i) state the amount of leave to be taken in advance and the date on which leave is to commence; and
(ii) be signed by the employer and employee and, if the employee is under 18 years of age, by the employee’s parent or guardian.
NOTE: An example of the type of agreement required by clause 21.4 is set out at Schedule F —Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance . There is no requirement to use the form of agreement set out at Schedule F —Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance .
(c) The employer must keep a copy of any agreement under clause 21.4 as an employee record.
(d) If, on the termination of the employee’s employment, the employee has not accrued an entitlement to all of a period of paid annual leave already taken in accordance with an agreement under clause 21.4 , the employer may deduct from any money due to the employee on termination an amount equal to the amount that was paid to the employee in respect of any part of the period of annual leave taken in advance to which an entitlement has not been accrued.
21.5 Excessive leave accruals: general provision
NOTE: Clauses 21.5 to 21.7 contain provisions, additional to the NES , about the taking of paid annual leave as a way of dealing with the accrual of excessive paid annual leave. See Part 2.2, Division 6 of the Act .
(a) An employee has an excessive leave accrual if the employee has accrued more than 8 weeks’ paid annual leave (or 10 weeks’ paid annual leave for a shiftworker, as defined by clause 21.2 ).
(b) If an employee has an excessive leave accrual, the employer or the employee may seek to confer with the other and genuinely try to reach agreement on how to reduce or eliminate the excessive leave accrual.
(c) Clause 21.6 sets out how an employer may direct an employee who has an excessive leave accrual to take paid annual leave.
(d) Clause 21.7 sets out how an employee who has an excessive leave accrual may require an employer to grant paid annual leave requested by the employee.
21.6 Excessive leave accruals: direction by employer that leave be taken
(a) If an employer has genuinely tried to reach agreement with an employee under clause 21.5(b) but agreement is not reached (including because the employee refuses to confer), the employer may direct the employee in writing to take one or more periods of paid annual leave.
(b) However, a direction by the employer under clause 21.6(a) :
(i) is of no effect if it would result at any time in the employee’s remaining accrued entitlement to paid annual leave being less than 6 weeks when any other paid annual leave arrangements (whether made under clause 21.5 , 21.6 or 21.7 or otherwise agreed by the employer and employee) are taken into account; and
(ii) must not require the employee to take any period of paid annual leave of less than one week; and
(iii) must not require the employee to take a period of paid annual leave beginning less than 8 weeks, or more than 12 months, after the direction is given; and
(iv) must not be inconsistent with any leave arrangement agreed by the employer and employee.
(c) The employee must take paid annual leave in accordance with a direction under clause 21.6(a) that is in effect.
(d) An employee to whom a direction has been given under clause 21.6(a) may request to take a period of paid annual leave as if the direction had not been given.
NOTE 1: Paid annual leave arising from a request mentioned in clause 21.6(d) may result in the direction ceasing to have effect. See clause 21.6(b)(i) .
NOTE 2: Under section 88(2) of the Act , the employer must not unreasonably refuse to agree to a request by the employee to take paid annual leave.
21.7 Excessive leave accruals: request by employee for leave
(a) If an employee has genuinely tried to reach agreement with an employer under clause 21.5(b) but agreement is not reached (including because the employer refuses to confer), the employee may give a written notice to the employer requesting to take one or more periods of paid annual leave.
(b) However, an employee may only give a notice to the employer under clause 21.7(a) if:
(i) the employee has had an excessive leave accrual for more than 6 months at the time of giving the notice; and
(ii) the employee has not been given a direction under clause 21.6(a) that, when any other paid annual leave arrangements (whether made under clause 21.5 , 21.6 or 21.7 or otherwise agreed by the employer and employee) are taken into account, would eliminate the employee’s excessive leave accrual.
(c) A notice given by an employee under clause 21.7(a) must not:
(i) if granted, result in the employee’s remaining accrued entitlement to paid annual leave being at any time less than 6 weeks when any other paid annual leave arrangements (whether made under clause 21.5 , 21.6 or 21.7 or otherwise agreed by the employer and employee) are taken into account; or
(ii) provide for the employee to take any period of paid annual leave of less than one week; or
(iii) provide for the employee to take a period of paid annual leave beginning less than 8 weeks, or more than 12 months, after the notice is given; or
(iv) be inconsistent with any leave arrangement agreed by the employer and employee.
(d) An employee is not entitled to request by a notice under clause 21.7(a) more than 4 weeks’ paid annual leave (or 5 weeks’ paid annual leave for a shiftworker, as defined by clause 21.2 ) in any period of 12 months.
(e) The employer must grant paid annual leave requested by a notice under clause 21.7(a) .
21.8 Cashing out of annual leave
(a) Paid annual leave must not be cashed out except in accordance with an agreement under clause 21.8 .
(b) Each cashing out of a particular amount of paid annual leave must be the subject of a separate agreement under clause 21.8 .
(c) An employer and an employee may agree in writing to the cashing out of a particular amount of accrued paid annual leave by the employee.
(d) An agreement under clause 21.8 must state:
(i) the amount of leave to be cashed out and the payment to be made to the employee for it; and
(ii) the date on which the payment is to be made.
(e) An agreement under clause 21.8 must be signed by the employer and employee and, if the employee is under 18 years of age, by the employee’s parent or guardian.
(f) The payment must not be less than the amount that would have been payable had the employee taken the leave at the time the payment is made.
(g) An agreement must not result in the employee’s remaining accrued entitlement to paid annual leave being less than 4 weeks.
(h) The maximum amount of accrued paid annual leave that may be cashed out in any period of 12 months is 2 weeks.
(i) The employer must keep a copy of any agreement under clause 21.8 as an employee record.
NOTE 1: Under section 344 of the Act , an employer must not exert undue influence or undue pressure on an employee to make, or not make, an agreement under clause 21.8 .
NOTE 2: Under section 345(1) of the Act , a person must not knowingly or recklessly make a false or misleading representation about the workplace rights of another person under clause 21.8 .
NOTE 3: An example of the type of agreement required by clause 21.8 is set out at Schedule G —Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave . There is no requirement to use the form of agreement set out at Schedule G —Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave .
22. Personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave
Personal/carer’s leave and compassionate leave are provided for in the NES .
23. Parental leave and related entitlements
[23 varied by PR763268 ppc 01Aug23]
Parental leave and related entitlements are provided for in the NES .
NOTE: Disputes about requests for extensions to unpaid parental leave may be dealt with under clause 29 — Dispute resolution and/or under section 76B of the Act .
24. Community service leave
Community service leave is provided for in the NES .
25. Family and domestic violence leave
[25—Unpaid family and domestic violence leave renamed and substituted by PR750512 ppc 15Mar23]
Family and domestic violence leave is provided for in the NES .
NOTE 1: Information provided to employers concerning an employee’s experience of family and domestic violence is sensitive and if mishandled can have adverse consequences for the employee. Employers are subject to confidentiality requirements regarding the handling of this information under section 106C of the Act and requirements as to what can be reported on payslips pursuant to regulations 3.47 and 3.48 of the Fair Work Regulations 2009 .
NOTE 2: Depending upon the circumstances, evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person of the employee’s need to take family and domestic violence leave may include a document issued by the police service, a court or family violence support service, or a statutory declaration.
26. Public holidays
[Varied by PR747373 ]
26.1 Public holiday entitlements are provided for in the NES .
26.2 Where an employee works on a public holiday they will be paid in accordance with clauses 19 — Overtime or 20 — Penalty rates .
26.3 Substitution of public holidays by agreement
(a) An employer and employee may agree to substitute another day for a day that would otherwise be a public holiday under the NES .
(b) An employer and employee may agree to substitute another part-day for a part-day that would otherwise be a part-day public holiday under the NES .
[26.4 deleted by PR747373 ppc14Nov22]
Part 7— Workplace Delegates, Consultation and Dispute Resolution
[Part 7—Consultation and Dispute Resolution renamed by PR774775 from 01Jul24]
26A. Workplace delegates’ rights
[26A inserted by PR774775 from 01Jul24]
26A.1 Clause 26A provides for the exercise of the rights of workplace delegates set out in section 350C of the Act .
NOTE: Under section 350C(4) of the Act , the employer is taken to have afforded a workplace delegate the rights mentioned in section 350C(3) if the employer has complied with clause 26A.
26A .2 In clause 26A :
(a) employer means the employer of the workplace delegate;
(b) delegate’s organisation means the employee organisation in accordance with the rules of which the workplace delegate was appointed or elected; and
(c) eligible employees means members and persons eligible to be members of the delegate’s organisation who are employed by the employer in the enterprise.
26A.3 Before exercising entitlements under clause 26A, a workplace delegate must give the employer written notice of their appointment or election as a workplace delegate. If requested, the workplace delegate must provide the employer with evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person of their appointment or election.
26A.4 An employee who ceases to be a workplace delegate must give written notice to the employer within 14 days.
26A.5 Right of representation
A workplace delegate may represent the industrial interests of eligible employees who wish to be represented by the workplace delegate in matters including:
(a) consultation about major workplace change;
(b) consultation about changes to rosters or hours of work;
(c) resolution of disputes;
(d) disciplinary processes;
(e) enterprise bargaining where the workplace delegate has been appointed as a bargaining representative under section 176 of the Act or is assisting the delegate’s organisation with enterprise bargaining; and
(f) any process or procedure within an award, enterprise agreement or policy of the employer under which eligible employees are entitled to be represented and which concerns their industrial interests.
26A.6 Entitlement to reasonable communication
(a) A workplace delegate may communicate with eligible employees for the purpose of representing their industrial interests under clause 26A.5. This includes discussing membership of the delegate’s organisation and representation with eligible employees.
(b) A workplace delegate may communicate with eligible employees during working hours or work breaks, or before or after work.
26A.7 Entitlement to reasonable access to the workplace and workplace facilities
(a) The employer must provide a workplace delegate with access to or use of the following workplace facilities:
(i) a room or area to hold discussions that is fit for purpose, private and accessible by the workplace delegate and eligible employees;
(ii) a physical or electronic noticeboard;
(iii) electronic means of communication ordinarily used in the workplace by the employer to communicate with eligible employees and by eligible employees to communicate with each other, including access to Wi-Fi;
(iv) a lockable filing cabinet or other secure document storage area; and
(v) office facilities and equipment including printers, scanners and photocopiers.
(b) The employer is not required to provide access to or use of a workplace facility under clause 26A.7(a) if:
(i) the workplace does not have the facility;
(ii) due to operational requirements, it is impractical to provide access to or use of the facility at the time or in the manner it is sought; or
(iii) the employer does not have access to the facility at the enterprise and is unable to obtain access after taking reasonable steps.
26A.8 Entitlement to reasonable access to training
Unless the employer is a small business employer, the employer must provide a workplace delegate with access to up to 5 days of paid time during normal working hours for initial training and at least one day each subsequent year, to attend training related to representation of the industrial interests of eligible employees, subject to the following conditions:
(a) In each year commencing 1 July, the employer is not required to provide access to paid time for training to more than one workplace delegate per 50 eligible employees.
(b) The number of eligible employees will be determined on the day a delegate requests paid time to attend training, as the number of eligible employees who are:
(i) full-time or part-time employees; or
(ii) regular casual employees.
(c) Payment for a day of paid time during normal working hours is payment of the amount the workplace delegate would have been paid for the hours the workplace delegate would have been rostered or required to work on that day if the delegate had not been absent from work to attend the training.
(d) The workplace delegate must give the employer not less than 5 weeks’ notice (unless the employer and delegate agree to a shorter period of notice) of the dates, subject matter, the daily start and finish times of the training, and the name of the training provider.
(e) If requested by the employer, the workplace delegate must provide the employer with an outline of the training content.
(f) The employer must advise the workplace delegate not less than 2 weeks from the day on which the training is scheduled to commence, whether the workplace delegate’s access to paid time during normal working hours to attend the training has been approved. Such approval must not be unreasonably withheld.
(g) The workplace delegate must, within 7 days after the day on which the training ends, provide the employer with evidence that would satisfy a reasonable person of their attendance at the training.
26A.9 Exercise of entitlements under clause 26A
(a) A workplace delegate’s entitlements under clause 26A are subject to the conditions that the workplace delegate must, when exercising those entitlements:
(i) comply with their duties and obligations as an employee;
(ii) comply with the reasonable policies and procedures of the employer, including reasonable codes of conduct and requirements in relation to occupational health and safety and acceptable use of ICT resources;
(iii) not hinder, obstruct or prevent the normal performance of work; and
(iv) not hinder, obstruct or prevent eligible employees exercising their rights to freedom of association.
(b) Clause 26A does not require the employer to provide a workplace delegate with access to electronic means of communication in a way that provides individual contact details for eligible employees.
(c) Clause 26A does not require an eligible employee to be represented by a workplace delegate without the employee’s agreement.
NOTE: Under section 350A of the Act , the employer must not:
(a) unreasonably fail or refuse to deal with a workplace delegate; or
(b) knowingly or recklessly make a false or misleading representation to a workplace delegate; or
(c) unreasonably hinder, obstruct or prevent the exercise of the rights of a workplace delegate under the Act or clause 26A.
27. Consultation about major workplace change
27.1 If an employer makes a definite decision to make major changes in production, program, organisation, structure or technology that are likely to have significant effects on employees, the employer must:
(a) give notice of the changes to all employees who may be affected by them and their representatives (if any); and
(b) discuss with affected employees and their representatives (if any):
(i) the introduction of the changes; and
(ii) their likely effect on employees; and
(iii) measures to avoid or reduce the adverse effects of the changes on employees; and
(c) commence discussions as soon as practicable after a definite decision has been made.
27.2 For the purposes of the discussion under clause 27.1(b) , the employer must give in writing to the affected employees and their representatives (if any) all relevant information about the changes including:
(a) their nature; and
(b) their expected effect on employees; and
(c) any other matters likely to affect employees.
27.3 Clause 27.2 does not require an employer to disclose any confidential information if its disclosure would be contrary to the employer’s interests.
27.4 The employer must promptly consider any matters raised by the employees or their representatives about the changes in the course of the discussion under clause 27.1(b) .
27.5 In clause 27 significant effects , on employees, includes any of the following:
(a) termination of employment; or
(b) major changes in the composition, operation or size of the employer’s workforce or in the skills required; or
(c) loss of, or reduction in, job or promotion opportunities; or
(d) loss of, or reduction in, job tenure; or
(e) alteration of hours of work; or
(f) the need for employees to be retrained or transferred to other work or locations; or
(g) job restructuring.
27.6 Where this award makes provision for alteration of any of the matters defined at clause 27.5 , such alteration is taken not to have significant effect.
28. Consultation about changes to rosters or hours of work
28.1 Clause 28 applies if an employer proposes to change the regular roster or ordinary hours of work of an employee, other than an employee whose working hours are irregular, sporadic or unpredictable.
28.2 The employer must consult with any employees affected by the proposed change and their representatives (if any).
28.3 For the purpose of the consultation, the employer must:
(a) provide to the employees and representatives mentioned in clause 28.2 information about the proposed change (for example, information about the nature of the change and when it is to begin); and
(b) invite the employees to give their views about the impact of the proposed change on them (including any impact on their family or caring responsibilities) and also invite their representative (if any) to give their views about that impact.
28.4 The employer must consider any views given under clause 28.3(b) .
28.5 Clause 28 is to be read in conjunction with any other provisions of this award concerning the scheduling of work or the giving of notice.
29. Dispute resolution
[Varied by PR763268 , PR777293 , PR778031 ]
29.1 Clause 29 sets out the procedures to be followed if a dispute arises about a matter under this award or in relation to the NES .
29.2 The parties to the dispute must first try to resolve the dispute at the workplace through discussion between the employee or employees concerned and the relevant supervisor.
29.3 If the dispute is not resolved through discussion as mentioned in clause 29.2 , the parties to the dispute must then try to resolve it in a timely manner at the workplace through discussion between the employee or employees concerned and more senior levels of management, as appropriate.
29.4 If the dispute is unable to be resolved at the workplace and all appropriate steps have been taken under clauses 29.2 and 29.3 , a party to the dispute may refer it to the Fair Work Commission.
29.5 The parties may agree on the process to be followed by the Fair Work Commission in dealing with the dispute, including mediation, conciliation and consent arbitration.
29.6 If the dispute remains unresolved, the Fair Work Commission may use any method of dispute resolution that it is permitted by the Act to use and that it considers appropriate for resolving the dispute.
29.7 A party to the dispute may appoint a person, organisation or association to support and/or represent them in any discussion or process under clause 29 .
29.8 While procedures are being followed under clause 29 in relation to a dispute:
(a) work must continue in accordance with this award and the Act ; and
(b) an employee must not unreasonably fail to comply with any direction given by the employer about performing work, whether at the same or another workplace, that is safe and appropriate for the employee to perform.
29.9 Clause 29.8 is subject to any applicable work health and safety legislation.
[Note 1 and Note 2 inserted by PR763268 ; deleted by PR778031 from 26Aug24]
[Note inserted by PR778031 from 26Aug24; varied by PR777293 from 27Aug24]
NOTE: In addition to clause 29 , the Act contains dispute resolution procedures as follows:
For a dispute about rights under the Act to |
Section |
Request flexible working arrangements |
65B |
Change casual employment status |
66M |
Request an extension to unpaid parental leave |
76B |
Exercise an employee’s right to disconnect |
333N |
Part 8— Termination of Employment and Redundancy
30. Termination of employment
NOTE: The NES sets out requirements for notice of termination by an employer. See sections 117 and 123 of the Act .
30.1 Notice of termination by an employee
(a) Clause 30.1 applies to all employees except those identified in sections 123(1) and 123(3) of the Act .
(b) An employee must give the employer notice of termination in accordance with Table 1—Period of notice of at least the period specified in column 2 according to the period of continuous service of the employee specified in column 1.
Column 1 Employee’s period of continuous service with the employer at the end of the day the notice is given |
Column 2 Period of notice |
Not more than 1 year |
1 week |
More than 1 year but not more than 3 years |
2 weeks |
More than 3 years but not more than 5 years |
3 weeks |
More than 5 years |
4 weeks |
NOTE: The notice of termination required to be given by an employee is the same as that required of an employer except that the employee does not have to give additional notice based on the age of the employee.
(c) In clause 30.1(b) continuous service has the same meaning as in section 117 of the Act .
(d) If an employee who is at least 18 years old does not give the period of notice required under clause 30.1(b) , then the employer may deduct from wages due to the employee under this award an amount that is no more than one week’s wages for the employee.
(e) If the employer has agreed to a shorter period of notice than that required under clause 30.1(b) , then no deduction can be made under clause 30.1(d) .
(f) Any deduction made under clause 30.1(d) must not be unreasonable in the circumstances.
(a) Where an employer has given notice of termination to an employee, the employee must be allowed time off without loss of pay of up to one day for the purpose of seeking other employment.
(b) The time off under clause 30.2 is to be taken at times that are convenient to the employee after consultation with the employer.
31. Redundancy
NOTE: Redundancy pay is provided for in the NES . See sections 119 to 123 of the Act .
31.1 Transfer to lower paid duties on redundancy
(a) Clause 31.1 applies if, because of redundancy, an employee is transferred to new duties to which a lower ordinary rate of pay applies.
(b) The employer may:
(i) give the employee notice of the transfer of at least the same length as the employee would be entitled to under section 117 of the Act as if it were a notice of termin ation given by the employer; or
(ii) transfer the employee to the new duties without giving notice of transfer or before the expiry of a notice of transfer, provided that the employer pays the employee as set out in clause 31.1(c) .
(c) If the employer acts as mentioned in clause 31.1(b)(ii) , the employee is entitled to a payment of an amount equal to the difference between the ordinary rate of pay of the employee (inclusive of all-purpose allowances and penalty rates applicable to ordinary hours) for the hours of work the employee would have worked in the first role, and the ordinary rate of pay (also inclusive of all-purpose allowances and penalty rates applicable to ordinary hours) of the employee in the second role for the period for which notice was not given.
31.2 Employee leaving during redundancy notice period
(a) An employee given notice of termination in circumstances of redundancy may terminate their employment during the minimum period of notice prescribed by section 117(3) of the Act .
(b) The employee is entitled to receive the benefits and payments they would have received under clause 31 or under sections 119 to 123 of the Act had they remained in employment until the expiry of the notice.
(c) However, the employee is not entitled to be paid for any part of the period of notice remaining after the employee ceased to be employed.
31.3 Job search entitlement
(a) Where an employer has given notice of termination to an employee in circumstances of redundancy, the employee must be allowed time off without loss of pay of up to one day each week of the minimum period of notice prescribed by section 117(3) of the Act for the purpose of seeking other employment.
(b) If an employee is allowed time off without loss of pay of more than one day under clause 31.3(a) , the employee must, at the request of the employer, produce proof of attendance at an interview.
(c) A statutory declaration is sufficient for the purpose of clause 31.3(b) .
(d) An employee who fails to produce proof when required under clause 31.3(b) is not entitled to be paid for the time off.
(e) This entitlement applies instead of clause 30.2 .
Schedule A — Classifications
A.1 Grade 1
A.1.1 Grade 1 employees are:
(a) employees engaged in various activities not involving the driving of passenger vehicles, whilst carrying passengers, and includes yard and vehicle cleaning/washing, oil and greasing, refuelling, changing tyres, assisting in tyre repairs and supervision of school children on passenger vehicles; and
(b) coach attendants employed to travel on a passenger vehicle undertaking long tours and performing other duties incidental and associated with such work.
A.2 Grade 2
A.2.1 Grade 2 employees are employees with skills in excess of Grade 1 and includes:
(a) employees engaged in duties associated with effective ticketing, conducting and customer relations service in all contact with passengers and the general public. Duties include operating and issuing tickets; ensuring correct revenue is collected; balancing and accounting for all tickets to ensure correct money has been received; pre-departure checks of passenger vehicles; driver monitoring and reporting vehicle defects; liaising and communicating with passengers and the general public to provide information and directions and performing various administrative procedures associated with Grade 2 duties;
(b) a driver of a passenger vehicle with a carrying capacity of less than 25 school children to and/or from school; and
(c) a driver of a motor vehicle, limousine or hire car capable of carrying less than 8 persons and used for hire or reward but excluding motor vehicles used for private purposes.
A.3 Grade 3
A.3.1 Grade 3 employees are:
(a) employees with skills in excess of Grade 2 and includes all employees engaged in driving a passenger vehicle with a carrying capacity of 25 or more school children to and/or from school;
(b) employees engaged in driving a passenger vehicle with a carrying capacity of less than 25 passengers on a specified route service which operates regularly between fixed terminals;
(c) a coach driver of a passenger vehicle which undertakes charter, single day tours or which operates regularly between fixed terminals with a return distance of less than 650 km; and
(d) a bus driver of a passenger vehicle who undertakes charter, single day tours which operates regularly between fixed terminals with a return distance of less than 650 km and who is not otherwise classified at the grade 4 by virtue of the specified route work normally performed or the carrying capacity of the bus.
A.4 Grade 4
A.4.1 Grade 4 employees are employees with skills in excess of Grade 3 who efficiently operate passenger vehicles and issue tickets; balance and account for tickets and revenue; practice basic customer relations when providing information to passengers and the general public; inspect and monitor general conditions of the passenger vehicle; perform basic mechanical support duties; report and record information and includes:
(a) employees engaged in driving a passenger vehicle with a carrying capacity of 25 or more passengers on a specified route which operates regularly between fixed terminals; and
(b) a coach driver driving a passenger vehicle with a carrying capacity of 25 or more passengers on extended trip/tour with a return distance of 650 km or more and who may be required to deliver descriptive commentary and/or be absent overnight from their place of residence.
A.5 Grade 5
A.5.1 Grade 5 employees are employees with skills in excess of Grade 4. An employee at this level:
(a) performs the duties of driver with a sound understanding of operational work practices and procedures;
(b) performs activities of increasing complexity with some scope to exercise initiative in the application of established work procedures;
(c) may instruct other employees including on-the-job training; operates special services with a sound knowledge of the routes of other depots;
(d) instructs new drivers in route and passenger vehicle operations;
(e) inducts new drivers to aspects of depot operations and information;
(f) communicates with all types of customers with an advanced degree of courtesy and accuracy of information; and
(g) carries out duties associated with passenger surveys and service monitoring.
A.6 Grade 6
A.6.1 Grade 6 employees are employees with skills in excess of Grade 5 who are classified as supervisors and/or trainers who perform more complex activities, which may require the exercise of knowledge and initiative in the application and establishment of work procedures.
A.6.2 An employee at this level:
(a) performs the duties of driver plus, as required, provides training, supervision and inducting and monitoring of trainee drivers;
(b) drives routes in other depots to cover vehicle schedules and assists in preparing rosters and amendments;
(c) is required:
(i) to have a customer service focus; and
(ii) to provide support to operations officers at special events including supervision and co-ordination of transport movements; and is responsible for routine probationary service monitoring and assessment of new drivers;
(d) provides support to operations officers at special events including supervision and co-ordination of transport movements; and
(e) is responsible for routine probationary service monitoring and assessment of new drivers.
Schedule B — Summary of Hourly Rates of Pay
[Varied by PR718881 , PR729321 , PR740746 , PR762172 , PR773949 ]
B.1 Full-time and part-time employees
B.1.1 Full-time and part-time employees other than two-driver operations—ordinary and penalty rates
[B.1.1 varied by PR718881 , PR729321 , PR740746 , PR762172 , PR773949 ppc 01Jul24]
|
Ordinary hours |
Early or late work 1 |
Saturday |
Sunday |
Public holiday |
|
% of minimum hourly rate |
||||
|
100% |
115% |
150% |
200% |
250% |
|
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
Grade 1 |
25.22 |
29.00 |
37.83 |
50.44 |
63.05 |
Grade 2 |
25.80 |
29.67 |
38.70 |
51.60 |
64.50 |
Grade 3 |
27.26 |
31.35 |
40.89 |
54.52 |
68.15 |
Grade 4 |
28.22 |
32.45 |
42.33 |
56.44 |
70.55 |
Grade 5 |
29.77 |
34.24 |
44.66 |
59.54 |
74.43 |
Grade 6 |
31.08 |
35.74 |
46.62 |
62.16 |
77.70 |
1 Early or late work means work before 6.00 am or after 7.00 pm .
B.1.2 Full-time and part-time employees on two-driver operations—ordinary and penalty rates
[B.1.2 varied by PR718881 , PR729321 , PR740746 , PR762172 , PR773949 ppc 01Jul24]
|
Ordinary hours |
Saturday |
Sunday |
Public holiday |
Good Friday or Christmas day |
|
% of minimum hourly rate |
||||
|
100% |
125% |
150% |
N/A |
N/A |
|
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ per shift 1 |
$ per shift 2 |
Grade 1 |
25.22 |
31.53 |
37.83 |
201.76 |
201.76 |
Grade 2 |
25.80 |
32.25 |
38.70 |
206.40 |
206.40 |
Grade 3 |
27.26 |
34.08 |
40.89 |
218.08 |
218.08 |
Grade 4 |
28.22 |
35.28 |
42.33 |
225.76 |
225.76 |
Grade 5 |
29.77 |
37.21 |
44.66 |
238.16 |
238.16 |
Grade 6 |
31.08 |
38.85 |
46.62 |
248.64 |
248.64 |
1 This amount is payable in addition to 100% of the minimum hourly rate for hours worked (see clause 15.1 ).
2 This amount is payable in addition to 125% of the minimum hourly rate for hours worked (see clause 15.1 ).
B.1.3 Full-time and part-time employees—overtime
[B.1.3 varied by PR718881 , PR729321 , PR740746 , PR762172 , PR773949 ppc 01Jul24]
|
In excess of ordinary hours |
Public holiday |
|
|
First 3 hours |
After 3 hours |
|
|
% of minimum hourly rate |
||
|
150% |
200% |
250% |
|
$ |
$ |
$ |
Grade 1 |
37.83 |
50.44 |
63.05 |
Grade 2 |
38.70 |
51.60 |
64.50 |
Grade 3 |
40.89 |
54.52 |
68.15 |
Grade 4 |
42.33 |
56.44 |
70.55 |
Grade 5 |
44.66 |
59.54 |
74.43 |
Grade 6 |
46.62 |
62.16 |
77.70 |
B.2 Casual employees
B.2.1 Casual employees other than two-driver operations—ordinary and penalty rates
[B.2.1 varied by PR718881 , PR729321 , PR740746 , PR762172 , PR773949 ppc 01Jul24]
|
Ordinary hours |
Early or late work 1 |
Saturday |
Sunday |
Public holiday |
|
% of minimum hourly rate |
||||
|
125% |
140% |
175% |
225% |
275% |
|
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ |
Grade 1 |
31.53 |
35.31 |
44.14 |
56.75 |
69.36 |
Grade 2 |
32.25 |
36.12 |
45.15 |
58.05 |
70.95 |
Grade 3 |
34.08 |
38.16 |
47.71 |
61.34 |
74.97 |
Grade 4 |
35.28 |
39.51 |
49.39 |
63.50 |
77.61 |
Grade 5 |
37.21 |
41.68 |
52.10 |
66.98 |
81.87 |
Grade 6 |
38.85 |
43.51 |
54.39 |
69.93 |
85.47 |
1 Early or late work means work before 6.00 am or after 7.00 pm.
B.2.2 Casual employees on two-driver operations—ordinary and penalty rates
[B.2.2 varied by PR718881 , PR729321 , PR740746 , PR762172 , PR773949 ppc 01Jul24]
|
Ordinary hours |
Saturday |
Sunday |
Public holiday |
Good Friday or Christmas day |
|
% of minimum hourly rate |
||||
|
125% |
125% |
150% |
N/A |
N/A |
|
$ |
$ |
$ |
$ per shift 1 |
$ per shift 2 |
Grade 1 |
31.53 |
31.53 |
37.83 |
201.76 |
201.76 |
Grade 2 |
32.25 |
32.25 |
38.70 |
206.40 |
206.40 |
Grade 3 |
34.08 |
34.08 |
40.89 |
218.08 |
218.08 |
Grade 4 |
35.28 |
35.28 |
42.33 |
225.76 |
225.76 |
Grade 5 |
37.21 |
37.21 |
44.66 |
238.16 |
238.16 |
Grade 6 |
38.85 |
38.85 |
46.62 |
248.64 |
248.64 |
1 This amount is payable in addition to 100% of the minimum hourly rate for hours worked (see clause 15.1 ).
2 This amount is payable in addition to 125% of the minimum hourly rate for hours worked (see clause 15.1 ).
Schedule C — Summary of Monetary Allowances
[Varied by PR718881 , PR719034 , PR729321 , PR729506 , PR740746 , PR740913 , PR750819 , PR762172 , PR762339 , PR773949 , PR774118 ]
See 17 — Allowances for full details of allowances payable under this award.
C.1 Wage-related allowances
[C.1.1 varied by PR718881 , PR729321 , PR740746 , PR762172 , PR773949 ppc 01Jul24]
C.1.1 The wage-related allowances in this award are based on the standard rate as defined in clause 2 — Definitions as the minimum weekly rate for a Grade 3 employee in clause 15.1 = $ 1035.70 .
Allowance |
Clause |
% of standard rate |
$ |
Payable |
First aid allowance |
17.2(a) |
1.9 |
19.68 |
per week |
Articulated bus allowance |
17.2(b) |
1.56 |
16.16 |
per shift |
C.1.2 Automatic adjustment of wage-related allowances
[C.1.2 renamed and substituted by PR750819 ppc 15Mar23]
The amount of each wage-related allowance is the percentage of the standard rate specified for the allowance and will automatically adjust to reflect the specified percentage when the standard rate is varied.
C.2 Expense-related allowances
[C.2.1 varied by PR719034 , PR729506 , PR740913 , PR762339 , PR774118 ppc 01Jul24]
C.2.1 The following expense-related allowances will be payable to employees in accordance with clause 17.3 :
Allowance |
Clause |
$ |
Payable |
Meal allowance—more than 2 hours’ overtime beyond ordinary finishing time |
17.3(a) |
16.30 |
per occasion |
Vehicle allowance—use of own vehicle between starting and finishing place |
17.3(f)(i) |
0.98 |
per km |
Vehicle allowance—use of own vehicle in the course of work |
17.3(f)(ii) |
0.98 |
per km |
C.2.2 Adjustment of expense-related allowances
(a) At the time of any adjustment to the standard rate , each expense-related al l owance will be increase d by the relevant adjustment factor. The relevant adjustment factor for this purpose is the percentage movement in the applicable index figure most recently published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics since the allowance was last adjusted.
(b) The applicable index figure is the index figure published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for the Eight Capitals Consumer Price Index (Cat No. 6401.0), as follows:
Allowance |
Applicable Consumer Price Index figure |
Meal allowance |
Take away and fast foods sub-group |
Vehicle/fares and travelling time allowance |
Private motoring sub-group |
Schedule D — Supported Wage System
[Varied by PR719661 , PR729672 , PR742256 , PR762969 , PR774051 ]
D.1 This schedule defines the conditions which will apply to employees who because of the effects of a disability are eligible for a supported wage under the terms of this award.
D.2 In this schedule:
approved assessor means a person accredited by the management unit established by the Commonwealth under the supported wage system to perform assessments of an individual’s productive capacity within the supported wage system.
assessment instrument means the tool provided for under the supported wage system that records the assessment of the productive capacity of the person to be employed under the supported wage system.
disability support pension means the Commonwealth pension scheme to provide income security for persons with a disability as provided under the Social Security Act 1991 (Cth), as amended from time to time, or any successor to that scheme.
relevant minimum wage means the minimum wage prescribed in this award for the class of work for which an employee is engaged.
supported wage system (SWS) means the Commonwealth Government system to promote employment for people who cannot work at full award wages because of a disability, as documented in the Supported Wage System Handbook. The Handbook is available from the following website: www.jobaccess.gov.au .
SWS wage assessment agreement means the document in the form required by the Department of Social Services that records the employee’s productive capacity and agreed wage rate.
D.3 Eligibility criteria
D.3.1 Employees covered by this schedule will be those who are unable to perform the range of duties to the competence level required within the class of work for which the employee is engaged under this award, because of the effects of a disability on their productive capacity and who meet the impairment criteria for receipt of a disability support pension.
D.3.2 This schedule does not apply to any existing employee who has a claim against the employer which is subject to the provisions of workers compensation legislation or any provision of this award relating to the rehabilitation of employees who are injured in the course of their employment.
D.4.1 Employees to whom this schedule applies will be paid the applicable percentage of the relevant minimum wage according to the following schedule:
Assessed capacity ( clause D.5 ) % |
Relevant minimum wage % |
10 |
10 |
20 |
20 |
30 |
30 |
40 |
40 |
50 |
50 |
60 |
60 |
70 |
70 |
80 |
80 |
90 |
90 |
[D.4.2 varied by PR719661 , PR729672 , PR742256 , PR762969 , PR774051 ppc 01Jul24 ]
D.4.2 Provided that the minimum amount payable must be not less than $106 per week.
D.4.3 Where an employee’s assessed capacity is 10% , they must receive a high degree of assistance and support.
D.5.1 For the purpose of establishing the percentage of the relevant minimum wage, the productive capacity of the employee will be assessed in accordance with the SWS by an approved assessor, having consulted the employer and employee and, if the employee so desires, a union which the employee is eligible to join.
D.5.2 All assessments made under this schedule must be documented in an SWS wage assessment agreement, and retained by the employer as a time and wages record in accordance with the Act .
D.6 Lodgement of SWS wage assessment agreement
D.6.1 All SWS wage assessment agreements under the conditions of this schedule, including the appropriate percentage of the relevant minimum wage to be paid to the employee, must be lodged by the employer with the Fair Work Commission.
D.6.2 All SWS wage assessment agreements must be agreed and signed by the employee and employer parties to the assessment. Where a union which has an interest in the award is not a party to the assessment, the assessment will be referred by the Fair Work Commission to the union by certified mail and the agreement will take effect unless an objection is notified to the Fair Work Commission within 10 working days.
D.7 Review of assessment
The assessment of the applicable percentage should be subject to annual or more frequent review on the basis of a reasonable request for such a review. The process of review must be in accordance with the procedures for assessing capacity under the SWS.
D.8 Other terms and conditions of employment
Where an assessment has been made, the applicable percentage will apply to the relevant minimum wage only. Employees covered by the provisions of this schedule will be entitled to the same terms and conditions of employment as other workers covered by this award on a pro rata basis.
D.9 Workplace adjustment
An employer wishing to employ a person under the provisions of this schedule must take reasonable steps to make changes in the workplace to enhance the employee’s capacity to do the job. Changes may involve re-design of job duties, working time arrangements and work organisation in consultation with other workers in the area.
D.10 Trial period
D.10.1 In order for an adequate assessment of the employee’s capacity to be made, an employer may employ a person under the provisions of this schedule for a trial period not exceeding 12 weeks, except that in some cases additional work adjustment time (not exceeding 4 weeks) may be needed.
D.10.2 During that trial period the assessment of capacity will be undertaken and the percentage of the relevant minimum wage for a continuing employment relationship will be determined.
[D.10.3 varied by PR719661 , PR729672 , PR742256 , PR762969 , PR774051 ppc 01Jul24 ]
D.10.3 The minimum amount payable to the employee during the trial period must be no less than $106 per week.
D.10.4 Work trials should include induction or training as appropriate to the job being trialled.
D.10.5 Where the employer and employee wish to establish a continuing employment relationship following the completion of the trial period, a further contract of employment will be entered into based on the outcome of assessment under clause D.5 .
Schedule E — Agreement for Time Off Instead of Payment for Overtime
Link to PDF copy of Agreement for Time Off Instead of Payment for Overtime .
Name of employee: _____________________________________________
Name of employer: _____________________________________________
The employer and employee agree that the employee may take time off instead of being paid for the following amount of overtime that has been worked by the employee:
Date and time overtime started: ___/___/20___ ____ am/pm
Date and time overtime ended: ___/___/20___ ____ am/pm
Amount of overtime worked: _______ hours and ______ minutes
The employer and employee further agree that, if requested by the employee at any time, the employer must pay the employee for overtime covered by this agreement but not taken as time off. Payment must be made at the overtime rate applying to the overtime when worked and must be made in the next pay period following the request.
Signature of employee: ________________________________________
Date signed: ___/___/20___
Name of employer representative: ________________________________________
Signature of employer representative: ________________________________________
Date signed: ___/___/20___
Schedule F — Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance
Link to PDF copy of Agreement to Take Annual Leave in Advance .
Name of employee: _____________________________________________
Name of employer: _____________________________________________
The employer and employee agree that the employee will take a period of paid annual leave before the employee has accrued an entitlement to the leave:
The amount of leave to be taken in advance is: ____ hours/days
The leave in advance will commence on: ___/___/20___
Signature of employee: ________________________________________
Date signed: ___/___/20___
Name of employer representative: ________________________________________
Signature of employer representative: ________________________________________
Date signed: ___/___/20___
[If the employee is under 18 years of age - include:] I agree that: if, on termination of the employee’s employment, the employee has not accrued an entitlement to all of a period of paid annual leave already taken under this agreement, then the employer may deduct from any money due to the employee on termination an amount equal to the amount that was paid to the employee in respect of any part of the period of annual leave taken in advance to which an entitlement has not been accrued. Name of parent/guardian: ________________________________________ Signature of parent/guardian: ________________________________________ Date signed: ___/___/20___ |
Schedule G — Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave
Link to PDF copy of Agreement to Cash Out Annual Leave .
Name of employee: _____________________________________________
Name of employer: _____________________________________________
The employer and employee agree to the employee cashing out a particular amount of the employee’s accrued paid annual leave:
The amount of leave to be cashed out is: ____ hours/days
The payment to be made to the employee for the leave is: $_______ subject to deduction of income tax/after deduction of income tax (strike out where not applicable)
The payment will be made to the employee on: ___/___/20___
Signature of employee: ________________________________________
Date signed: ___/___/20___
Name of employer representative: ________________________________________
Signature of employer representative: ________________________________________
Date signed: ___/___/20___
Include if the employee is under 18 years of age:
Name of parent/guardian: ________________________________________ Signature of parent/guardian: ________________________________________ Date signed: ___/___/20___ |
[Schedule H—Part-day Public Holidays deleted by PR747373 ppc14Nov22 ]
[Sched X — Additional Measures During the COVID-19 Pandemic deleted by PR742720 ppc 17Jun22]