WORKPLACE RELATIONS AND HUMAN RESOURCE BULLETIN

INCREASE IN AWARD RATES OF FOR RETAIL EMPLOYEES
IN THE PICTURE FRAMING INDUSTRY

GENERAL RETAIL INDUSTRY AWARD 2020

PFGA members were advised by email on 19 June 2020 of the decision of Fair Work Australia on 19 June 2020 granting wage increases in respect of employees who are covered by the General Retail Industry Award 2010.

ADULT EMPLOYEES

All Award rates of pay for adult employees were increased by 1.75% per week.

Proportional increases apply for junior employees.

Clients are advised to compare the new Award rates of pay for all employees with their current weekly payments and make any necessary adjustments.   To assist clients in the comparison of their employee wage rates, attached are the new Award classifications.

First, classify the employee in accordance with the new classification definitions and then compare existing wage rates with the new Award rates of pay operative from 1 July 2019.

Employees must be paid at least the new Award rate of pay for their respective classification, even if the employee is employed on a Contract of Employment or Enterprise Agreement.

These increases are fully absorbable against all over award payments, including payments made by certified agreements.

OPERATIVE DATE: From the beginning of the first pay period to commence on or after 1 February 2021.

Rates of Pay and Classifications/Skill levels

To ensure employees are both correctly classified and paid accordingly, clients are asked to:-

• Compare the employee’s current duties with those that are detailed in the Award’s classification or skill level descriptors.
• Once determining the relevant grade or classification or skill level for the employee, then simply compare the employee’s rate of pay with the Award prescribed rate of pay.

A copy of the new Award rates of pay for retail employees reflecting the wage increase and also the Award Classification structure for Retail employees is available to PFGA members upon request.

Picture Framers requiring further information or who have questions in respect of the above are invited to contact PFGA Executive Officer, Neil Craven on 0419 500 609.