Tool Box
Issue No. 29 - June/July 2006
Minimum conditions: do you comply?
by Mr Shayne Bakewell
One of the least advertised aspects of the WorkChoices changes is the introduction of new minimum conditions of employment from 27 March 2006.
These apply to all businesses that are constitutional corporations, and their employees.
The area is quite difficult and technical, and on that basis it is best to get specific advice.
For your convenience I have summarised the groups of employees most likely to be affected so you can ascertain quickly whether or not a check is warranted.
Employee groups potentially affected
Please note the following categories of employees as at 26 March 2006.
Table 1
| Employee Group | Comment |
| Federal Awards | Affected where the standard is better than the Award. Where the award is better than the standard, the Award applies. |
| State Awards | Affected where the standard is better than the Award. Where the award is better than the standard, the Award applies |
| Federal Certified Agreements at 26/3/06 | Not affected |
| AWAs at 26/3/06 | Not affected |
| State Enterprise Agreements at 26/3/06 | Not affected |
| Award Free (i.e. Managers, Professional Staff) | Affected where the standard is better than the contract of employment. Where the contract is better than the standard, the contract applies |
| New Workplace Agreements on or after 27/3/06 | Conditions must meet the standard as a minimum |
