ORTHOPTISTS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE (STATE) AWARD 2000

 

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMISSION OF NEW SOUTH WALES

 

Application by Health Services Union, industrial organisation of employees.

 

(No. IRC 2797 of 2005)

 

 

VARIATION

 

1.          Insert in numerical order in clause 3, Arrangement, of the award published 1 June 2001 (325 IG 157), the following new clause number and subject matter:

 

34.       Vaccinations

 

2.          Delete the definition of "Orthoptist-Grade 2" appearing in clause 4, Definitions, and insert in lieu thereof the following:

 

Orthoptists - Grade 2"

 

An Orthoptist appointed this Grade generally undertakes the duties of an Orthoptist - Grade 1, but with additional responsibilities which may include :

 

Evidence of attending continuing education activities on an annual basis,

 

Have Accreditation with the Australian Orthoptic Board

 

Demonstrate to the employer the ability to independently (after a qualifying period) operate all ophthalmic equipment necessary to fulfill the requirements as an Orthoptist and be competent at all ophthalmic duties required in the practice,

 

Show interest in developing knowledge with new equipment,

 

Able to perform instructional duties to new orthoptic employees,

 

To be in charge of and be involved in the training of other/new Orthoptist employed in the practice,

 

Supervision of students from an Orthoptic Training School.

 

Obtaining extra study.

 

Eg: employed on work which requires special knowledge and depth of experience.

 

A person appointed to this level will be an experienced employee who would be required to work under only general directions from his or her supervisor and be capable of performing the more complex and difficult techniques and procedures."

 

3.          Insert after subclause (iii) of clause 5, Area, Incidence and Duration, the following new subclauses:

 

(iv)       The changes made to the award pursuant to the Award Review pursuant to section 19(6) of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 and Principle 26 of the Principles for Review of Awards made by the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW on 28 April 1999 (310 I.G. 359) and take effect on 12 December 2003.

 

(v)        This award remains in force until varied or rescinded, the period for which it was made already having expired.

 

4.          Delete clause 7, Wages, and insert in lieu thereof the following:

 

7.  Wages

 

(i)         Wages

 

This Award permits for the progressive recognition of professional rates for Orthoptists through adoption of the transitional arrangements detailed hereunder.

 

 

Provided that:

 

(a)        An employee who holds or is qualified to hold the degree of Bachelor of Applied Science (Orthoptics) shall be entitled to be classified as a Grade 1, 2nd year of experience after qualification.

 

(b)        An employee who holds or is qualified to hold the degree of Master of Applied Science (Orthoptics) shall be entitled to be classified as a Grade 1, 3rd year of experience after qualification.

 

(c)        An employee who holds or is qualified to hold the degree of Doctor of Philosophy shall be entitled to be classified as a Grade 1, 4th year of experience after qualification.

 

(ii)        In-Charge Allowance - An employee who is required to supervise at least two other permanent staff members covered by this Award and employed at a practice shall be paid at Orthoptist-Grade 2 status.  Where an employee required to supervise other staff is already recipient of the rate applying to an Orthoptist Grade 2 will, in addition to his/her rate, receive an additional weekly allowance of 10 per cent of the weekly wage of a Orthoptist-Grade 2.

 

(iii)       Acting or Higher Grade Duties - Where an employee relieves a person in a higher paid classification or acts in such classification, the employee shall be paid the higher rate of pay for the time so spent relieving in the higher position.

 

5.          Delete subclause (i) of clause 20, Sick Leave, and insert in lieu thereof the following:

 

(i)         If after three months continuous service with the employer an employee is unable to attend for duty by reason of personal illness or incapacity (not where entitled to payment under the Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998 or other relevant Act) the employee will be paid for such non attendance for up to eight (8) days in the first year of service and ten days per annum in each subsequent year.

 

Provided that such illness is certified by a registered medical practitioner and such certificate is tendered to the employer within 48 hours of the commencement of such absence.

 

6.          Insert after clause 33, Reasonable Hours, the following new clause:

 

34.  Vaccinations

 

The employer may request that the Orthoptists maintains relevant vaccinations to protect themselves from work related viruses. Where the employer requests or agrees to vaccinations, the employer shall reimburse the employee for the costs associated with the vaccination and consultation.  Alternatively, the employer may make arrangements to provide vaccinations through the practice.

 

7.          This variation shall take effect from the first full pay period to commence on or after 8 June 2005.

 

 

 

R. P. BOLAND  J.

 

 

 

____________________

 

 

Printed by the authority of the Industrial Registrar.