Changes made over the weekend to the main award affecting administrative employees will help members in managing their staff. The arrangements operate from 28 March 2020 until 30 June 2020, although the Fair Work Commission can extend them.
First, the changes assist with flexible arrangements for those working from home. So, you can reach an agreement with individual clerical staff about fitting their normal hours of work into the spread of 6am to 11pm Monday to Friday and 7am to 12.30pm Saturday.
Secondly, for part-time and casual employees working from home, you can now reduce the minimum shift or hours they work to two hours.
Thirdly, you can reach an agreement with employees for them to take annual leave at half pay. This means annual leave can be taken over a longer period at the same pay.
Fourthly, there are agreement provisions where you might reduce the hours of work at the depot, office etc where clerks work by up to 25%. There is a need to get an agreement to this arrangement from at least 75% of the full-time and part-time staff.
Fifthly, where employees’ hours have been reduced, they are free to get secondary (other) employment which you cannot reasonably refuse.
NatRoad can assist members to guide through the process of putting more flexible arrangements in place.
