Junior & apprentice rates in modern awards for the Annual Wage Review 2019-20

In the Annual Wage Review 2018–19 (2018–19 Review), the Australian Workers' Union filed a submission raising a concern that certain junior rates of pay in the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2010 are lower than the rates of pay for award-free junior employees covered by the Special National Minimum Wage (NMW) 3 in the National Minimum Wage Order 2018.

A background paper was prepared by staff of the Fair Work Commission that identified 19 modern awards in which the junior rates of pay appear to fall below the specified junior rates of pay in Special NMW3 for award-free employees.

Following a conference conducted by Hampton C on behalf of the Expert Panel, a Spreadsheet was provided by the ACTU to illustrate its “interim” proposal to adjust certain junior rates.

In the 2018–19 Review decision, the Expert Panel considered that there had not been a proper opportunity to address these issues and reach a conclusion on whether to adjust the junior rates in the 19 modern awards as part of the Review.

The Expert Panel directed any interested party which wishes to pursue a variation of junior rates in the 19 modern awards in relation to Special NMW 3 as part of the Annual Wage Review 2019–20 to advise the Commission on or before 30 September 2019.

A second background paper has been prepared by staff of the Fair Work Commission on apprentice rates of pay in the Rail Award.

Following a conference conducted by Hampton C on behalf of the Expert Panel, Hampton C has prepared a report to the Annual Wage Review Expert Panel.