The Fair Work Commission has made a statement setting out a provisional variation to 103 modern awards, providing relief to millions of workers.
These changes address unpaid ‘pandemic leave’ and the flexibility to take accrued annual leave at half pay. It is proposed that the variations will be in place until the 30th of June 2020, however this may be extended. The provisional variation is known as Schedule X.
The provisional variations are as follows:
- All employees (including full-time, part-time and casual employees) will be provided with a new entitlement of up to 2 weeks’ unpaid pandemic leave.
- There will be provision for employees by agreement with their employer, to take twice the amount of their accrued annual leave at half pay.
The FWC have already approved changes to the following awards:
- The Hospitality Award
- The Clerks–Private Sector Award
- The Restaurant Award
The Commission will insert a second version of the provisional variation into the Hospitality Award, Clerks–Private Sector Award and the Restaurant Award.
It is expected that the provisional variation will be approved at the FWC hearing on the 8th of April 2020.
You can read the full FWC statement on the provisional variations here. The statement details changes and outlines awards.
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This article has been prepared by Vanessa Baglieri, Marketing Manager. We are passionate about helping businesses grow by sharing information. The content of this article is legal information, not advice and is not tailored to your circumstances, speak with Rosa Raco directly on 03 5499 6131 or email rraco@wrlaw.com.au if you require legal advice regarding your specific circumstances.
This article is current as at 10.30am 2nd April 2020.
