What is all the noise about part time employees under the General Retail Industry Award?

From Monday morning this week the media was abuzz with comments about possible changes to the General Retail Award 2020 based on an agreement reached between the SDA, AWU and the ACTU and MGA and COSBOA. Whilst those parties have reached an agreement, there is a long way to go until the Award is changed […]

Casual after 6:00PM rates to increase from FFPP to commence on or after 1 March 2021

The final instalment in the adjustment of penalty rates under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 for casual employees for work after 6:00PM Monday to Friday comes into effect from the first full pay period to commence on or after 1 March 2021.

What are the next changes for the Award?

There have been several changes to the General Retail Industry Award 2020 in recent weeks – the delayed 1.75% annual wage review increase and a slight increase to some expense related allowances – both operative from the first full pay period to commence on or after 1 February 2021. The next changes are:

Expense Related Allowances Increase Operative first full pay period on or after 1 February 2021

The Fair Work Commission confirmed in a Determination dated 30 January 2021 that some expense related allowances under the General Retail Industry Award 2020 increased from the first full pay period to commence on or after 1 February 2021.

New wage rates – 1 February 2021

The General Retail Industry Award 2020 has been updated to reflect the 1.75% increase in wages which flows from the June 2020 Annual Wage Review decision. The increase was delayed due to the impacts of COVID-19 on the retail sector.

Fair Work Information Statement – NANA recommends you issue to all staff at least annually

The Fair Work Ombudsman has decided not to change the existing Fair Work Information Statement after minor changes were made to the guidelines around parental and family leave. Consequently, the version of the Statement dated 13 August 2020 is the version which Newsagents MUST provide to new employees upon commencement.

FWC Award flexibility case progresses into the new year

NANA advised last week it was taking the lead advocacy role in the Award flexibility case being undertaken by the Fair Work Commission (FWC). NANA and ALNA are working together to ensure the interests of Newsagents are vigorously represented in this important case which may see positive outcomes for Newsagents as the FWC considers whether […]

Proposed industrial relations changes a long way off – further delays to legislated changes expected

NANA expects the Federal Government’s proposed changes to the Fair Work Act will now take longer than originally expected to see the light of day. Originally, NANA advised it was unlikely the package would not be approved by Parliament until February 2021. The Bill has now been referred to a Parliamentary committee and won’t resurface […]

Fair Work Commission initiates Award flexibility review – NANA takes leading role

President of the Fair Work Commission Iain Ross has invited NANA to participate in a review of the General Retail Industry Award 2020 in relation to improved flexibility arrangements. NANA will take the leading role on behalf of Newsagents and in addition to representing its Members and Newsagents across NSW and the ACT, it will […]

Changes to National Employment Standards – parental leave

The National Employment Standards (NES) have recently been updated to improve unpaid parental leave for parents, including for parents of stillborn babies, infant deaths and premature births. The key changes are two-fold: