The Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) has announced they will delay the introduction of the Rudd Government’s new Modern Awards scheme in order to give employers time to prepare for the changes.
Employement groups and unions have criticised the scheme, claiming it will increase costs for employers, and cut the take-home pay of workers.
Federal Workplace Minister Julia Gillard said that no worker or employer would be worse off under the new awards.
The AIRC said in a decision released yesterday: “It is clear that some award conditions will increase, leading to cost increases, wand others will decrease, leading to potential disadvantage for employees, depending upon the current award coverage.”
The AIRC will delay the phasing in of new penalty rates from 1 January 2010 to 1 July 2010. They will also use the full five-year transitional period allowed under the new awards to phase in new penalty rates and cost increases.
People who read this, also liked:
Award changes a disaster for small business: Ciobo
Employment awards revamp welcomed by retailers
