On 31 October 2018, a Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission heard submissions and evidence from The Australian Industry Group and the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) regarding the link between the classification structure and wage rates in the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2010 and the competency standards in the Printing and Graphic Arts Industry Training Package.

Ai Group is strongly opposing an AMWU claim to amend Schedule C (Competencies) in the Award which could lead to a raft of costly reclassification claims.

Ai Group is pursuing a counter-claim that would remove the problematic Schedule C from the Award, but leave the formal qualifications in the Industry Training Package linked to the Award through the classification definitions in Schedule B. This would ensure consistency with the approach in nearly all other awards. It would also enable the Training Package to be kept up to date with changes in the industry and the training system, without potentially costly impacts upon wage rates and classifications under the Award.

Ai Group filed detailed submissions and evidence in the case on 15 October 2018. The Full Bench has scheduled a further hearing for 10 December 2018.

If you would like more information about the Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award 2010 please contact Ai Group’s Workplace Advice Service on 1300 55 66 77.

Alternatively, if you would like advice about modern award coverage, classifications and competency standards please contact your local employment, workplace and industrial lawyer in Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, Adelaide, Melbourne or Brisbane or email Ai Group Workplace Lawyers at info@aigroupworkplacelawyers.com.au.