Modern award transitional arrangements cease on 1 July 2014

With the implementation of the Fair Work Act 2009 and the commencement of modern awards on 1 January 2010, modern awards, minimum terms and conditions applicable to employees in the vast majority of Australian workplaces were set.

As part of the modern award implementation, transitional arrangements were implemented which specify when particular parts of a modern award come into effect.

The transitional arrangements dealt with the following:

• minimum wages and piecework rates;
• casual or part-time loadings;
• Saturday, Sunday, public holiday, evening or other penalties; and
• shift allowances/penalties.

On the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2014, the transitional arrangements will cease as they will be fully phased in.

From 1 July 2014 employers can simply look at the applicable modern award to determine the current minimum rate of pay and penalty rates for employees covered by a modern award. This will be much simpler than having to apply the difficult transitional rate calculations which employers have had to contend with over the past four years.

If you would like more information about the cessation of transitional arrangements or your modern award or other obligations generally, please contact National Workplace Lawyers on +61 2 9233 3989. 

National Workplace Lawyers

Note — this is for information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to render legal advice.