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Introduction of new National Modern Awards

Aged Care and Social and Community Services Home Care and Disabilities Members may be aware that on 1 January this year the operation of the new National Modern Awards came into effect.

The resultant changes associated with the introduction of the awards has caused significant confusion and angst amongst members.

The purpose of this Bulletin is to, in as simple terms as possible, advise members of the actions HACSU is currently taking to resolve many industrial issues the new Awards present.

Sadly, HACSU has been unable to advise members of the national changes in any major terms until now as the Industrial Relations Commission's decisions were not handed down until late December 2009.

HACSU is now working hard to resolve issues on behalf of members.

Disability and Community Services

With the introduction of the new modern award there should not be any significant change to members' conditions.

The Disability Industry Agreement negotiated between HACSU and employers last year remain in place.

This Agreement not only improved conditions for members but also preserves all current conditions by reference back to the old Disability Services Providers Award.

At the same time HACSU, along with other Unions, has lodged a national pay equity claim on behalf of all Community Services and Disability Union members across Australia.

We have advised the industrial body representing the majority of Disability and Community Services employers that HACSU supports the continuation of all current conditions of employment for employees until such time that an industry agreement is negotiated to deal with the issues associated with the new award.

We are establishing meetings with representatives of the Disability and Community Services employers to discuss the possibility of entering into an industry-wide agreement that preserves members' conditions, at least until the Unions' Pay Equity Case is finalised.

There are some additional complexities that relate to transitioning employees from the old State Award to the new National Award that HACSU can provide advice to members on. To seek this advice please contact HACSUassist on 1300 88 00 32.

Aged Care

The arrangements for Aged Care members are a little less complex.

The new Modern Award did come into effect for most Aged Care members on 1 January this year. The exception to this is where we have members covered under a Collective Agreement.

For the remaining employees, discussions have already commenced and will continue with the Industry where we anticipate reaching an agreement that preserves members' current conditions.

HACSU is aware that this change has created uncertainty for members.

It is not something that HACSU had real control over as the Federal Australian Industrial Relations Commission only handed its decisions down late last year.

Further Developments

There will be further developments regarding the implementation of the new Modern Awards over the next six months as the Australian Industrial Relations Commission makes further decisions and as the new Awards are progressively implemented.

If members require further information or you are concerned about what may be happening in your workplace then contact HACSUassist on 1300 880 032.