COMMISSION ORDERS PAYMENT TO BE MADE ON OR BEFORE 5 DECEMBER 2018
On 13 September 2018, the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission issued a decision with a draft Determination about your pay and conditions. This is a big win for all Dorevitch employees. Finally, you get a Fair Bloody Go!
Together, you did it!
As you know, the fight for fairer pay and conditions has not been easy.
When 89 of our Dorevitch members were locked out and all hope seemed lost, you all stuck together. You helped and supported each other, you had each other’s backs – you gave your time, energy and spirit. You showed no fear in the face of injustice. You stayed the course and showed what unionism is all about.
Make no mistake, you won this. We congratulate and thank all 605 of you for your sacrifice, courage and determination. After 11 years, time was up for Dorevitch Pathology.
Please read the below summary of the decision carefully. More information will follow.
I am so proud to be a member of this union alongside you.
Yours in admiration,
Diana Asmar
HWU Secretary
BELOW IS SUMMARY OF FAIR WORK’S DRAFT DECISION
WAGES
The Fair Work Commission has determined wages in accordance with a formula. This formula is based on the old agreement wage rates from 2007. Depending on your classification and years’ of experience, wages will increase up to 20%. Allowances will increase up to 30 per cent. This will be back paid to July 2017. Further, from when the determination is finalised later this month (see below), there will be a further increase of approximately 3.6% in real terms. In twelve months time there will a further 2.5% increase.
To find out your increase, see the below table:
Note: The above tables are based on the draft wage table provided by the Fair Work Commission in the Draft Determination.
TIMING OF PAYMENTS
This decision is a draft Determination. The final Determination will be issued later this month. Both the HWU and Dorevitch are allowed to make submissions to the Fair Work Commission on minor errors, typo’s, etc. Once this is complete, the Determination will be finalised. After this, you will start receiving payments.
LENGTH OF DETERMINATION
The length of this Determination is until 31 December, 2019.
ALLOWANCES
The Fair Work Commission has increased allowances significantly (most by up to nearly 30%, with 25% back paid to July 2017). Many allowances had not been updated since 2007. Some allowances, such as the Telephone Allowance and Buddy Allowance, are new payments that the union fought for.
See the table below for the new allowance rates as they will apply from 1 July 2017 to 26 September 2019.
SICK LEAVE
The current sick leave provisions are maintained. Dorevitch wanted to cut your sick leave, but the Union fought to protect them.
TIME OFF IN LIEU
Time off in lieu will be at overtime rates.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
Dorevitch wanted to change the public holiday arrangements. The HWU have protected existing entitlements (including rostered off public holidays benefits)
ACCIDENT MAKE UP PAY
Dorevitch wanted to slash accident make up pay to 26 weeks. The HWU was successful in preserving the status quo at 39 weeks.
PRO-RATA LONG SERVICE LEAVE ON REDUNDANCY
Payment of pro-rata long service leave is at seven years if made redundant. Dorevitch wanted to remove this. We won. This has been maintained.
PATHOLOGY COLLECTOR CLASSIFICATIONS
The status quo remains for Pathology Collector classifications for Grades 1, 2 and 3. A new Grade 4 Pathology classification has been added.
BELOW IS SUMMARY OF MATTERS ALREADY WON BY THE UNION DURING THE CAMPAIGN:
It’s times like this that makes you glad you voted down Dorevitch’s Dodgy Deal.
Further information
You can download a copy of the decision by clicking on the attached document below.
We will keep you updated with further information.
If you have any questions in the interim, please email hwupathology@hwu.org.au