Statement: NSW Pay Rates
NSW and parts of Victoria are experiencing pay rate increases to attract shearers, driven by increased flock size and staff shortages in these areas. Any such increases are not to the Award itself and is non-binding.
WASIA’s policy continues to be that the Federal Award is a minimum and that individual contractors can, and do, pay rates above Award as determined by the working conditions and size and condition of the sheep. There is nothing restricting employers from paying their staff more. WASIA’s view is that paying rates above Award or at the award level is an individual business decision and we do not feel that recommending an amount to be paid over the award is necessary in Western Australia. As such the Association will not be issuing or recommending any specific or other Pay Rate Schedule apart from the minimum rate set out and legally specified by the Fair Work Commission Pastoral Award.
WASIA’s position, is that more work is required to increase the size of the shearing workforce and to improve shed safety and working conditions. Our continuing focus is to increase training opportunities, attract workers to our industry and retain workers by improving working conditions. We are running training projects with AWI and DPIRD and have developed SafeSheds, the shearing shed safety program to make the wool harvesting workplace safer for all. Details can be found at www.wasia.com.au/services/safesheds
For more comment or information call the WASIA office on 0412 227 252 or email to admin@wasia.com.au