Modern Awards and the National Employment Standards - Don’t get caught: the new Safety Net

From 1 January 2010, the new Safety Net introduced by the Fair Work Act 2009 will be in operation.

The new Safety Net is comprised of two elements – modern Awards; and the National Employment Standards.

The introduction of the Safety Net is the second, and final, transitional stage of the introduction of the Fair Work Act 2009. The new Safety Net introduces new obligations, new requirements, and new responsibilities on all employers in the national system; this includes Victoria. In some cases, employers will have to contend with a broad range of new employee entitlements, and limited scope for arrangements that vary, modify or exclude Award conditions.

In the new, more regulated era of industrial relations, Fair Work Australia has expanded powers and increased capacity to enforce compliance with employee entitlements. Additionally – the AIRC has determined that transitional arrangements will apply to those aspects of modern Awards that increase costs to business. Attending our sessions will ensure that you save time and money in managing the transition.

The Modern Awards and NES will also impact on businesses that already have common law contracts, individual statutory agreements, and collective agreements, in place.
The session will cover a range of matters related to the modern Award, including:

• The coverage of the modern Award;
• How the modern Award varies from its pre-reform equivalent;
• Interpreting the Award;
• The making of individual flexibility agreements;
• The interaction of the modern Award with the National Employment Standards; and
• An explanation of the complex transitional arrangements that may apply to your business.

The sessions are designed to facilitate the transition of your business to the new safety net. Participants will be encouraged to participate in the sessions, and to take the opportunity to speak to VECCI’s industrial relations experts about their business requirements.

This is just one of the ways in which VECCI will ensure that businesses are ready for the implementation of the new Safety Net. VECCI consultants can work directly with you to check your compliance and offer assistance in ensuring that your employment documentation is reviewed in line with the new changes. Email fairworkfeedback@vecci.org.au to find out how we can assist you to be Fair Work Ready.