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New South Wales Industrial Relations Commission
(Industrial Gazette)





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M5 EAST PROJECT CONSENT AWARD 1999
  
Date09/28/2001
Volume328
Part1
Page No.
DescriptionRIRC - Award Review by Industrial Relations Commission
Publication No.C0419
CategoryAward
Award Code 1507  
Date Posted02/20/2002

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BEFORE THE INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMISSION

(1507)

SERIAL C0419

 

M5 EAST PROJECT CONSENT AWARD 1999

 

INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS COMMISSION OF NEW SOUTH WALES

 

Notice of award review pursuant to section 19 of the Industrial Relations Act 1996.

 

(No. IRC 1118 of 2001)

 

 

Mr. Deputy President Sams

16 May 2001

 

 

REVIEWED AWARD

 

ARRANGEMENT

 

Clause No.                   Name of Clause

 

1.                             Introduction

2.                             Objectives

3.                             Commitment

4.                             Definitions

5.                             Scope, Terms and Application of Award

6.                             Date of Operation

7.                             Single Bargaining Unit

8.                             Flexibility

9.                             Hours of Work

10.                           Maximising Working Time

11.                           Industry Convention

12.                           Tunnel Work

13.                           Shift Work

14.                           Enterprise Agreements

15.                           Sub-Contracting

16.                           Legal and Contractual Obligations of Contractors

17.                           Project Monitoring Committee

18.                           Training

19.                           Project Allowances

20.                           Superannuation Contributions

21.                           Redundancy Contributions

22.                           Annual Leave

23.                           Long Service Leave

24.                           Induction

25.                           Safety and Amenities Policy

26.                           Safety Procedures

27.                           Non Smoking Provisions

28.                           Project Safety Committees

29.                           Protective Equipment

30.                           Workers' Compensation

31.                           Workers' Compensation Top-Up Cover and 24 Hour Accident Cover

32.                           First Aid Facilities

33.                           Inclement Weather

34.                           Clothing

35.                           Apprentices

36.                           Anti-Discrimination

37.                           Personal/Carers Leave

38.                           Notice Board

39.                           Right of Entry

40.                           Avoidance of Disputes - Grievance Procedures

41.                           Not a Precedent

42.                           No Extra Claims

43.                           Adjustments to Superannuation and Redundancy Contributions

44.                           Signatures

 

Annexure A Classifications covered by this Award 27

 

 

1.         Introduction

 

This Award shall be known as the M5 East Project Consent Award 1999.

 

This Award recognises existing Enterprise Agreements between Employers and their Employees.  It also recognises that some Employers may not have entered into Enterprise Agreements with their Employees at the time they commence work on the Project.

 

This Award is generally intended to supplement and co-exist with the terms and conditions of existing Awards and Enterprise Agreements and its purpose is to provide a framework for managing those issues on the Project which affect or may affect one or more Employers.

 

This Award sets out specific employment terms and conditions to apply to Employees who work on the M5 East Project.

 

The Parties to this Award are the Employers, the Labor Council of NSW, the Unions and the Employees employed on the Project.

 

It is recognised by the Parties that additional obligations and rights arise under a range of other awards and agreements which will apply to Employers, Unions and Employees,

 

The Parties commit to complying with their respective obligations under this Award subject to the law.

 

2.         Objectives

 

It is recognised by the Parties that the success of the Project is of particular significance for the people of NSW for environmental, economic and social reasons.

 

The M5 East is a significant NSW Government undertaking to improve transport facilities for Sydney.  The M5 is of key strategic importance for environmental planning in NSW and is a critical link in the completion of the Sydney Orbital Road.

 

The primary objectives of this Award are:

 

to provide a site based Project Consent Award that complies with the Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW) and the NSW Government Code of Practice for the Construction Industry, July 1996;

 

to complete the Project on time or earlier and within budget;

 

to ensure that the Parties provide a safe work place on the Project;

 

to allow all construction work to continue without any unplanned interruptions during the construction period;

 

to promote and implement improved work methods and productivity;

 

to encourage quality communication between Employees, Employers and Unions;

 

to adopt a co-operative and non-adversarial approach to all industrial relations issues;

 

to develop a constructive and harmonious relationship between Employers, Unions and Employees in respect of the Project;

 

to provide good wages and conditions to all Employees engaged on the Project; and

 

to ensure that all Employees receive their statutory entitlements under awards,

 

enterprise agreements, this Award and other statutes.

 

To ensure that these objectives are met, the Parties agree to:

 

Avoid, where practicable, any action which disrupts or impedes production by the prompt resolution of Employees' concerns through effective communication and the agreed process of consultation and grievance handling.

 

Maintain standards of conduct necessary to ensure a safe and efficient operation.

 

Ensure that at all times, terms and conditions of employment will be maintained in accordance with the appropriate award/enterprise agreement and this Award.

 

Ensure that working relationships between Employees, signatory unions and Employers are developed to promote mutual trust, co-operation and open communication of relevant information and ideas.

 

Commit to the provision of appropriate training opportunities to employees so as to secure enhanced performance.

 

Baulderstone Hornibrook Engineering will constantly seek improvements in safety, methods of production, work Organisation, quality, and in other areas which will assist in the delivery of the Project on time and within budget.

 

The Parties to this Award commit themselves to honour its terms and accept that, subject to the proper consultation processes being followed, everyone will be expected to co-operate willingly to achieve the objectives of this Award.

 

3.         Commitment

 

The parties to the M5 East Project Consent Award are committed to ensuring that:

 

a)         The terms and conditions of the Award lead to real gains in overall Project productivity and workplace efficiencies, without any reduction to health and safety standards;

 

b)         The Avoidance of Disputes - Grievance Procedures provided in this Award are strictly adhered to;

 

c)         A culture that is committed to constructing a facility of the highest quality workmanship is fostered.

 

4.         Definitions

 

'Award' means this M5 Project Consent Award 1999.

 

'Baulderstone Hornibrook' means Baulderstone Hornibrook Engineering Pty Ltd.

 

'Classifications' means those classifications of Employees in those State, and to the extent legally permissible, Federal Awards referred to in Annexure A.

 

'Contractor' means Baulderstone Hornibrook Engineering Pty Ltd Bilfinger + Berger Bauaktiengesellschaft Joint Venture.

 

'Domestic Dispute' means a dispute restricted to a disagreement between one single Employer and any of its Employees and which has no affect on the ability of any other Employer to perform its work.

 

'Demarcation Dispute' means a dispute between Employers, Unions and/or Employees over which Employees or Union members have the rights to carry out the disputed work.

 

'Employee' means a person engaged by an Employer under the terms of either a State award or enterprise agreement, or to the extent legally permissible, a Federal award or agreement, or recognised industry piece work or contract rates agreement who performs work on-site in connection with a contract package or sub-contract package for the Project.

 

'Employer' means Baulderstone Hornibrook Engineering and any Contractor or Sub-Contractor who performs Work On-Site.

 

'Enterprise Agreement' means any agreement approved or certified under the Industrial Relations Act 1988 (Cth), Workplace Relations Act 1996 or the Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW).

 

'Labor Council' means the Labor Council of NSW a state branch of the ACTU.

 

'Baulderstone Hornibrook Project Manager' means the person nominated by Baulderstone Hornibrook from time to time as its most senior representative on the Project.

 

'Parties' means Employers, Labor Council, Employees and their Unions.

 

‘Pattern Agreement’ means the agreement, as to common rates and relativities applicable in the Building and Construction Industry, when confirmed in writing between the Labor Council of New South Wales and the Master Builders’ Association of New South Wales.

 

'Project Allowances' means the allowances payable under Clause 15 of this Award.

 

'Project' means the M5 East Project being managed or constructed by the Contractors.

 

'Project Consent Award' means this Award.

 

'Project Completion Date' means the date of practical completion agreed between the Contractors and the client for all works.

 

'Project Dispute' means a dispute over a matter which affects more than one Employer and any of their Employees.

 

'Safety Officer' means the on-site safety adviser monitoring safety matters related to construction.

 

'Shift Worker' means any Employee engaged on the Project required to work shift work.

 

'Sub-Contractor' means an Employer who has been approved by the Contractor to carry out Work On-Site in connection with a sub-contract package of work.

 

'Tradesperson' means an Employee engaged as a tradesperson including but not limited to a Carpenter, Bricklayer, Tilelayer, Plasterer, Painter, Glazier, Ceramic Tiler, Plumber and Gasfitter, Sprinkler Pipe Fitter, Joiner, Metal Tradesperson, Electrician, and Cabinet Maker.

 

'Tunnelling' means the underground excavation between the driven portals near Bexley Road and the portals at Marsh Street, including the air ventilation tunnel running from the exhaust structure at Turrella to the motorway tunnel at Duff Street .

 

'Tunnelling Contractor' means either the Contractor or one or more sub-contractors engaged by the Contractors to carry out excavation of the tunnel.

 

'Underground Work' means work inside the Tunnel but not tunnel excavation work and including construction of decking, electrical, mechanical, stormwater and pavements.

 

'Unions' means each of The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (Construction and General Division), New South Wales Branch.  The Australian Workers’ Union Greater New South Wales Branch; The Electrical Trades Union of Australia, New South Wales Branch; The New South Wales Plumbers & Gasfitters Employees’ Union; Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union, New South Wales Branch; Transport Workers Union of Australia, New South Wales Branch.

 

'Union Delegate' means an Employee of any Employer elected to act as the representative Union Delegate for the Employees.

 

'Work On-Site' means all on-site construction work that is carried out on the Project.

 

5.          Scope, Terms and Application of Award

 

(a)        Scope of Work

 

The nature and extent of the Project Works comprise construction of approximately 10Km of Motorway including:

 

i)          a dual carriageway motorway (providing a section of the M5 Motorway) from the existing M5 Motorway, west of King Georges Road, Beverly Hills, to tie in to General Holmes Drive, Mascot, east of the Sydney Airport Runway overbridge;

 

ii)         provision of all connections, modifications and improvements necessary to link the Motorway to the existing traffic network and to the M5 South West Motorway Duplication Works in the permanent traffic configuration and to ensure the continued functioning of the surrounding traffic network at the specified standard;

 

iii)        all associated road drainage, lighting, road furniture, signage and pavement marking.

 

(b)        M5 East Project Consent Award 1999.

 

This Award shall cover Work On-Site carried out by Employees who are classified in work or perform work described in those awards referred to in Annexure A. The terms of this Award will be observed by all Employers, Unions and Employees subject to the law until the expiry of the Award on the Project Completion Date.

 

All Employees shall be paid in accordance with the applicable award and or Enterprise Agreement that exists between each Employer and their Employees.

 

Where any term and condition of employment in this Award provides a greater benefit to an Employee than the terms and conditions applying to that Employee under any award or Enterprise Agreement, Federal or State, then this Award shall apply subject to the law.

 

This Award shall not apply to persons who are required as part of their normal duties to visit the site for the purpose of a pick up or a delivery or to carry out routine maintenance or repairs to on-site plant of a minor nature or for short duration.  This Award shall not apply to any off-site work.

 

This Award does not apply to the following organisations, including but not limited to Roads and Traffic Authority of NSW, Sydney Water, Australian Water Technologies, AGL Gas Company (NSW) Limited, Telstra Corporation Limited, Visionstream Pty Ltd, Optus Communications, Energy Australia, Kogarah Council, Canterbury Council, Rockdale City Council or to their employees.  The only exception will be where any of the above companies, Government or Semi Government instrumentalities tender for work on the Project in competition to other contractors and are awarded a contract on that basis.  Under these circumstances the provisions of this Award will apply.

 

This Award does not apply to off site or purely incidental activities such as delivery of site materials or couriers, except for transport award drivers who are required to have a regular involvement with the Project in excess of two (2) hours per day.  These applicable drivers will be entitled only to the provisions of Clause 19 of this Award.  Lorry Owner Drivers are not entitled to the provisions of this Award. This Award does not apply to the operation and maintenance of the finished facilities.

 

(c)        Other awards

 

Where this Award is found not to apply to a circumstance or event, or that the intent of any clause of this Award is unclear, reference may be made to any relevant award listed in Annexure A for clarification in so far as an issue relates to a class or particular classification of Employee involved.

 

In the event that the Parties are unclear on which provision applies then Clause 38 of this Award shall be immediately invoked.  If, in the opinion of the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW, conciliation will not resolve the issue, Arbitration will take place before the Commission,

 

6.         Date of Operation

 

This Award shall operate on and from 23 March 2000 until the Project Completion Date.

 

The changes made to this award to give effect to Section 19 of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 and the Commission's Principles for review of awards shall take effect on and from 16 May 2001.

 

7.         Single Bargaining Unit

 

For the purposes of negotiating and finalising this Award, the Unions were fully represented by a single bargaining unit, under the auspices of the Labor Council of New South Wales, consisting of the following Unions:

 

The Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (Construction and General Division), New South Wales Branch.

 

The Australian Workers' Union Greater New South Wales Branch.

 

The Electrical Trades Union of Australia, New South Wales Branch.

 

The New South Wales Plumbers & Gasfitters Employees' Union.

 

Automotive, Food, Metals, Engineering, Printing and Kindred Industries Union, New South Wales Branch.

 

The Transport Workers Union of Australia, New South Wales Branch.

 

8.         Flexibility

 

The Parties are committed to a flexibility of jobs and duties, and acceptance of improved work Organisation which means unimpeded flexibility and interchangeability such that every individual Employee will perform any task that the Employee is competent to perform, provided that such tasks are safe, legal and logical and within the classification structure of their award or Enterprise Agreement and -consistent with the scope of work on the Project of their Employer.

 

9.         Hours of Work

 

The ordinary hours of work shall be an average 38 hours per week, 8 hours per day to be worked Monday to Friday between the hours of 6.00 am and 6.00 pm except for those Employees engaged on shift work.  The normal hours of work within this spread of hours shall be as determined by the Employer in consultation with Employees to meet the needs of the Employers contract for the Project, and the Project Completion Date. The ordinary hours of work, once established, may be varied by agreement between the Employer and the majority of Employees concerned and their Union.  Hours of work for shift workers will vary depending upon the particular shift an Employee is required to work.

 

10.       Maximising Working Time

 

The Parties agree that to complete the Project on time it is necessary (and therefore it is the intent of this Award) that the time available for productive work must be maximised.  This will involve the use of overtime and shift work.

 

Crib and lunch breaks may be staggered for individual Employers and Employees so that work does not automatically cease during crib and lunch breaks.  Amenities and facilities will be maintained and cleaned regularly to ensure clean and comfortable facilities are available to Employees at all times.  Prior to the introduction of staggered crib and lunch breaks, agreement with the majority of Employees and the appropriate Union Delegate will be reached.

 

Work may be performed on any RDO and each Employer will arrange with its Employees the banking of RDO's and alternative days off.  Each Employer will seek the agreement of the appropriate Union Delegate who represents the Employee's concerned.  Any banking of RDO's will be with the majority of the Employee's consent. The banking of RDO's is not accepted by the CEPU Plumbing Division.

 

There is a limit of 5 RDO's to be banked for each 12 month period.  RDO's adjacent to public holidays shall be taken, not banked.

 

Details of RDO hours being accrued will be recorded on each Employee's pay slip.

 

Sub-Contractors will advise Baulderstone Hornibrook five (5) days prior to any RDO of their requirements to work or observe the industry RDO provisions.  Any Contractor or Sub-Contractor wishing to work on the industry RDO must obtain approval from Baulderstone Hornibrook.

 

Baulderstone Hornibrook may from time to time following consultation between the Parties decide to close the Project on an RDO.

 

11.       Industry Convention

 

The Parties are aware of the convention of some Employers making payments or providing conditions to their Employees in excess of the relevant awards or Enterprise Agreement by private treaty for incentive purposes or for the purpose of attracting labour.

 

The Parties agree that they will not seek to change the terms of this Award as a result of a private treaty as described above nor will they seek redress from any Employer.

 

Subject to the State or Federal legislation nothing in this clause represents an endorsement of "all in payments" or sham subcontract arrangements which are prohibited on the Project.  Any Sub-Contractor involved in such practices shall be removed from the Site.

 

12.       Tunnel Work

 

The Parties recognise that tunnelling is a significant aspect of the Project and is an activity which requires prompt action and flexible attitudes.  Accordingly, it will be necessary for Employees engaged on such work-to-work overtime and shift work in accordance with Project requirements.  All Employees engaged on Tunnel Work will be advised of the need to work overtime on the Project.

 

13.       Shift Work

 

The Parties acknowledge that shift work will apply on the Project.  Employee's required to work shift work will be paid the appropriate shift work loadings under the terms of the applicable award and/or enterprise agreement.

 

14.       Enterprise Agreements

 

14.1      Each Employer will utilise their existing enterprise agreement on the Project.  This Award is generally intended to supplement and co-exist with the terms of existing enterprise agreements and its primary purpose is to provide a framework for Baulderstone Hornibrook and the Employers to manage those issues on the Project which affect or may affect more than one Employer.  The Parties acknowledge that there will be Employers on the Project who have entered into enterprise agreements with their Employees and there will be Employers who have not done so.

 

In recognition of the objectives of the Commonwealth and NSW Governments to increase efficiency and productivity in the industry, the Parties agree to encourage all those Employers who have not already done so to enter into enterprise agreements.  Such Employers will be encouraged to use their best endeavours to attempt to negotiate and conclude within 3 months of their engagement by Baulderstone Hornibrook, an enterprise agreement in accordance with the Workplace Relations Act 1996 or the Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW) and the following guidelines:

 

a)         the Employer must comply with the relevant legislative framework for negotiating an Enterprise Agreement.  Baulderstone Hornibrook, the Labor Council of New South Wales, and relevant Union will provide advice upon request;

 

b)         the proposed enterprise agreement should provide genuine productivity improvements, wage increases and other benefits.

 

14.2      If a proposed enterprise agreement as contemplated by this Clause 14 is not concluded within a reasonable time then the Parties will implement the following sequential series of conferences in an endeavour to conclude a mutually acceptable Enterprise Agreement.

 

The chairperson of the Monitoring Committee and representatives of the relevant Union to which the Employees belong shall meet with senior head office management of the Employer.  The Employer may seek advice from the Monitoring Committee on the format to conclude negotiations for an Enterprise Agreement.

 

During this process the Unions will not engage in industrial action which affects the Project.

 

14.3      Enterprise Agreements which expire during the life of this Project shall be re-negotiated in a fair and equitable way.

 

15.       Sub-Contracting

 

Baulderstone Hornibrook acting in the capacity of Contractor shall have the discretion to engage one or more Employers in a particular trade, discipline or package of work.  Baulderstone Hornibrook may let a 'package' of work to another 'head' contractor who will in turn then engage other Employers as Sub-Contractors.

 

This provision shall be subject at all times to compliance with legal and contractual requirements (including this Award) and is not intended to encourage to ‘pyramid sub-contracting arrangements'.

 

16.       Legal and Contractual Obligations of Contractors

 

The Parties recognise that it is in the interests of sound industrial relations on the Project that Employers meet all their obligations including payment of employment benefits under this Award, other enterprise agreements or applicable awards and legislation.  As part of the shared concern of the Parties that sound industrial relations are maintained the Parties stress the importance of:

 

(a)        Compliance with award obligations, enterprise agreement or this Award provisions; and

 

(b)        Employers not entering into arrangements or contracts designed to circumvent award or legislative obligations including inappropriately treating a genuine Employee as an independent contractor and/or inappropriate application of the prescribed payment system (PPS); and

 

(c)        Compliance with statutory requirements for Workers Compensation.

 

The terms of this clause are to be specifically drawn to the attention of each Employer prior to it commencing work on the Project.  If during the course of the Work On-site non-compliance is identified it will be immediately rectified.

 

17.       Project Monitoring Committee

 

The Parties will establish a Monitoring Committee for the purposes of resolving issues that may arise in the application of this Award.

 

The Monitoring Committee's members will be nominated by and represent Baulderstone Hornibrook and the Employers, the Labor Council of NSW and the Unions.  The Monitoring Committee's chairperson will be a Labor Council officer.  The Monitoring Committee may invite other persons to attend its meetings from time to time.

 

The Monitoring Committee will meet monthly, or as required.  The chairperson will be responsible for issuing agendas and taking minutes.

 

The Monitoring Committee's primary charter is to ensure good communication between the Parties to this Award concerning relevant issues that may affect the Project and the Employees.  The Monitoring Committee will review the application of this Award on the Project.  It will also act as a 'last resort' negotiating forum for significant matters when other avenues of resolution have been exhausted, All Parties attending Monitoring Committee meetings shall co-operate to ensure the intent of this Award is maintained at all times.

 

18.       Training

 

Education and training will be provided on site to improve and expand Employees skills.

 

Baulderstone Hornibrook will establish - within 2 months of signing this Award a Training Plan for the Project.  The Training Plan will be subject to endorsement of the Monitoring Committee. This Training Plan will outline the types of training that will be provided to Employees.

 

Sub-Contractors will be required to submit a Training Plan to Baulderstone Hornibrook outlining the type of training they will provide their Employees.

 

It is recognised that the site induction programme will be attended by the total workforce engaged on the Project.

 

19.       Project Allowances

 

19.1      In consideration of the increased productivity and benefits which will flow from improved project co-ordination and management the following Project Allowances will apply and be paid weekly to all Employees.

 

(a)        Payment to All Employees

 

Each Employee for accepting the common conditions in this Award shall receive from his/her Employer a 'Commonality Allowance' of $1.00 paid for each hour worked; effective from the date each Employee commenced Work On-Site.

 

(b)        Payment to All Employees

 

(subject to performance)

 

Each Employee for contributing to the timely completion of their respective Employers work shall receive a 'Performance Allowance' of 85 cents paid for each hour worked, effective from the date each Employee commenced Work On-Site.

 

19.2      Both Project Allowances referred to in 19.1(a) and 19.1(b) shall be paid for hours worked only and will not attract any penalty or premium.

 

19.3      The Parties agree that if there is any question, dispute or difficulty in the application of this clause 19 to a particular Employer because of any clause in its existing-Enterprise Agreement they will confer to resolve such a question, dispute or difficulty and, if necessary, Clause 38 shall apply.

 

19.4      Both Project Allowance Payments shall be subject to Consumer Price Index (all capital cities) Adjustment each 6 months with the first adjustment being from 31 July 1999.

 

20.       Superannuation Contributions

 

Each Employer shall comply with its award or Enterprise Agreement and legislative obligations in respect of superannuation, except that the minimum weekly contribution for all Employees shall be $60.00 per week effective from the date of signing this Award.  The $60.00 per week contribution shall increase to $65.00 per week on the 1 February 2000, to $70 per week from 1 March 2001 and to $75 per week from 1 March 2002.

 

21.       Redundancy Contributions

 

Each Employer shall comply with its award or Enterprise Agreement provisions in respect of redundancy entitlements, except that the minimum weekly contribution for all Employees shall be $46.00 per week effective from the date of signing this Award. The $46 per week contribution shall increase to $50 per week from 1 February 2000, to $55 per week from 1 March 2001 and to $60 per week from 1 March 2002.

 

22.       Annual Leave

 

The quantum of annual leave shall be as prescribed by the appropriate Federal Award or the Annual Holidays Act 1944 NSW.

 

23.       Long Service Leave

 

All Employers shall strictly comply with the Building and Construction Industry Long Service Payments Act 1986, NSW.

 

24.       Induction

 

Prior to the commencement of employment on site, all Employees shall attend an induction program given by Baulderstone Hornibrook’s safety coordinators.  The safety induction program shall be either WorkCover or VETAB approved.  Employers shall arrange inductions prior to arrival on site.  The program shall include:

 

Scope, purpose and anticipated duration of the Project.

 

Familiarisation with, and understanding the terms and conditions of employment contained within this Award.

 

Advice on Legislative, Site and Employer safety standards and requirements.

 

Communication of the objectives and commitments the Parties have established under this Award.

 

Specific reference to the application of the Avoidance of Disputes Grievance Procedure and Continuous Operations Clauses.

 

Outline of any house rules, including disciplinary procedures.

 

Advice to Employees in respect of the location of First Aid facilities.

 

Each Employee will receive an induction card after completing the induction program and access to the Project site will only be granted to an Employee who exhibits the issued induction card.  However, in the case of a lost card, an Employee's identity will be confirmed prior to any issue of a temporary induction card and ultimately a replacement card.

 

Each Employee's induction card must be carried by the Employee whilst engaged on the Project and is not transferable under any circumstances to any other person.

 

Any costs associated with the Safety inductions shall be borne by each Employer of the Employee being inducted.

 

These procedures are intended to substantially improve the security on the Project and have a positive impact on the level of safety provided to Employees on the Project.

 

A copy of this Project Award will be issued to employees at this induction.

 

25.       Safety and Amenities Policy

 

Employers and Employees on the Project shall provide a safe workplace in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act 1983, applicable WorkCover Authority Codes of Practice and the Project Safety Plan.

 

Baulderstone Hornibrook shall provide or have each Employer provide ablution, crib and all amenities in accordance with the Code of Practice - Amenities for Construction Work 1997.  Amenities on the Project will be regularly cleaned and maintained.

 

26.       Safety Procedures

 

No Employee will be required to work in or on an unsafe area or process on the Project.  Where a safety problem has been identified by the safety committee which prevents work from occurring in any area, work shall cease in the immediate affected area only.  Priority will be given to rectifying unsafe access areas.  If any access areas are unsafe, Employees will use alternative safe access.

 

Should a safety dispute arise over whether one or more work areas are safe or not, the following procedures shall apply:

 

(a)        employees shall not leave the Project unless directed to do so by their Employer in the event of an emergency;

 

(b)        immediate inspection of the affected work areas will be carried out by both Baulderstone Hornibrook and Employee representatives of the relevant safety committee;

 

(c)        Baulderstone Hornibrook in conjunction with representatives of the safety committee will select the sequence of inspections of areas;

 

(d)        the inspection shall identify the safety rectification work required in each area;

 

(e)        as safety rectification work is agreed for each area, all relevant Employees shall immediately commence such rectification works;

 

(f)         upon verification that such rectification has been completed; normal work will resume progressively in each area;

 

(g)        should any dispute arise as to the rectification work required to any area, then Baulderstone Hornibrook will immediately call the designated WorkCover Authority inspector to recommend the rectification work.  The WorkCover Authority inspector's decision will be binding on all Parties.

 

Nothing in this clause shall negate or contradict any obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983.

 

27.       Non Smoking Provisions

 

During the operation of this Award, certain areas of the Project will be designated as non smoking zones.

 

All Site offices, amenities and any other enclosed areas will be designated as non smoking zones.

 

Any person smoking within a designated no smoking zone shall first be warned and counselled.  Any further smoking within designated no smoking zones will result in the withdrawal of the safety induction card and that person being removed from the Project.

 

Nothing in this Award shall affect the right of an Employer and its Employees in making further non smoking provisions.

 

28.       Project Safety Committees

 

A Safety Committee will be established on each construction zone across the Project.

 

Each Employee who is elected as a member of a safety committee on the Project must have completed an accredited safety committee training course or undertaken such a course within 3 weeks of being elected as a member of the safety committee.  If other advanced safety training requirements are identified, they will be implemented so as to ensure that the members of a safety committee are adequately equipped.  There will be a constitution for safety committees adopted by agreement of the safety committee prior to it commencing operation on site.

 

29.       Protective Equipment

 

The Employer shall provide suitable protective equipment to an Employee when and where required in accordance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983 NSW, its Regulations, applicable WorkCover Authority Codes of Practice and other recognised good safety practices.

 

Abuse and disregard of protective equipment used by Employees will result in counselling of the Employee concerned, repeated offences will result in the withdrawal of the safety induction card and that person being removed from the Project.

 

Abuse and disregard by Employers of the protective equipment provisions of this Award will result in counselling that Employer concerned, repeated offences will result in that Employer being removed from the Project.

 

30.       Workers' Compensation

 

30.1      Employers shall comply with the provisions of the Workers' Compensation Act and in particular the display of relevant notices and maintenance of site accident report books.

 

30.2      Employees engaged on the Project will report injuries and comply with claim requirements at the earliest possible date after injury.

 

30.3      In cases where the Employee is not in a position to personally comply with 30.2 above the relevant Union or Employer will assist in fulfilling claim requirements and the need:

 

to forward to the insurer within seven (7) days claim documentation relating to the Employee's injury;

 

to telephone the insurer with details of the claim on receipt of the claim and medical certificate;

 

the insurer will open a file and begin the processing of the claim on receipt of a telephone call from the Employer; and

 

workers' compensation payments will be made to the injured worker in an expeditious manner after the claim is agreed with the insurer.

 

Baulderstone Hornibrook will use it's best endeavours to have workers' compensation payments made to injured workers expeditiously.

 

31.       Workers' Compensation Top-Up Cover and 24 Hour Accident Cover

 

Only to the extent that such cover is not otherwise available to an Employee, Baulderstone Hornibrook shall effect with a company of its choice both top-up workers' compensation insurance and 24 hour accident cover.  Benefits afforded by such cover shall be equivalent to the benefits provided by Coverforce Insurance Administrators Pty Ltd (ACN 067 079 261) under the company's Coverforce Top-Up Accident Scheme.

 

Baulderstone Hornibrook shall have the discretion at any time to affect the policy with any Company provided that the policy allows for equivalent benefits and standard.  The only exception for providing such cover will be for Employers who engage CEPU Electrical Division's members and are covered by the "Wage Cover" scheme.  In these circumstances no double payments will occur.

 

32.       First Aid Facilities

 

Baulderstone Hornibrook will establish a first aid facility at each construction zone location on the Project, staffed by an accredited first aid officer.  These facilities will include all necessary equipment to assist the officer in his/her duties, and will meet all the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulation 1989.

 

Employers with site workforces in excess of 25 persons will provide first aid chests meeting the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulation 1989.  Employers will be encouraged to have Employees undertake appropriate first aid training.

 

33.       Inclement Weather

 

Nothing in this Clause is intended to interfere with any existing award or Enterprise Agreement arrangement between an Employer and its Employees with respect to inclement weather.  The Parties intend to minimise lost time due to inclement weather and the purpose of this Clause is to establish common procedures so that the welfare and safety of Employees is respected and where it is safe to do so, work can continue in an orderly fashion during periods of inclement weather.  Employees who normally work in exposed work areas accept that during periods of inclement weather, work in undercover work areas may not be available to all Employees of a particular Employer and if this is so, that some Employees will be required to work and some will be required to wait until the inclement weather clears.

 

An Employee during periods of inclement weather will not be unnecessarily required to remain on the Project after the decision on the weather being inclement has been made by the Employers in consultation with the Employees.

 

The Parties will adopt a reasonable approach with respect to inclement weather procedures and what constitutes "inclement weather'.  Employees will accept transfers from an exposed work area to an undercover work area not affected by inclement weather if useful work is available in that area and that work is within the scope of the Employee's skill, competence and training and can be safely performed.  Employees will walk to and between work areas where it is safe and reasonable to do so in order to continue work in areas unaffected by inclement weather.

 

During and after periods of inclement weather the Baulderstone Hornibrook Project Manager, after consultation with the Safety Committee, will advise each Employer of those areas where it is reasonable and safe for work to continue or recommence.

 

Each Employer will then determine with its Employees any steps necessary to ensure that work can continue in a safe manner.  In all cases, priority will be given to ensuring that a safe workplace is provided and safe systems of work are used.

 

Nothing in this procedure will negate or contradict the rights of the safety committee under the terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1983.

 

34.       Clothing

 

Employers will provide their Employees with the following items of clothing provided that if an Employer has obligations to provide clothing under an award, Enterprise Agreement of an equivalent standard then such Employer will not be bound by the terms of this clause.

 

(a)        Safety Footwear

 

Appropriate safety footwear will be issued upon commencement of work on the Project and will be replaced on a fair wear and tear basis thereafter provided they are produced to the Employer for inspection.

 

(b)        Overalls, Combination or Bib & Brace & Shirts or Trousers & Shirts

 

2 sets of protective clothing will be provided after accumulated employment on the Project by an Employee of 152 hours and will be replaced twice per calendar year or as a result of fair wear and tear provided they are produced to the Employer for inspection.

 

(c)        Jackets

 

Each Employee, after accumulated employment on the Project of 152 hours shall be eligible to be issued with one (1) Australian made warm bluey jacket or lined woollen jacket or equivalent, which will be replaced once per calendar year or by fair wear and tear.

 

The type of jacket issued to an Employee will be determined by the nature of work performed to ensure that the jacket is not unsafe for the work performed by each Employee.

 

(d)        Equivalent Clothing

 

Where documented evidence can be shown that the equivalent protective clothing referred to in (a), (b) and (c) above has been supplied by the Employer within the last three (3) month period, then the above will not apply.

 

35.       Apprentices

 

Apprenticeship ratios shall be in accordance with the NSW Government guidelines for Apprentices.  Employers using plumbing Tradespersons will employ Apprentices in accordance with Schedule C of the Sprinkler Pipe Fitters Award 1975.

 

36.       Anti-Discrimination

 

(1)        It is the intention of the parties bound by this award to seek to achieve the object in section 3(f) of the Industrial Relations Act 1996 to prevent and eliminate discrimination in the workplace. This includes discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, martial status, disability, homosexuality, transgender identity, age responsibilities as a carer.

 

(2)        It follows that in fulfilling their obligations under the dispute resolution procedure prescribed by this award, the parties have obligations to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the operation of the provisions of this award are not directly or indirectly discriminatory in their effects. It will be consistent with fulfilment of these obligations for the parties to make application to vary any provision of the award which, by its terms or operation, has a direct or indirect discriminatory effect.

 

(3)        Under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, it is unlawful to victimise an employee because the employee has made or may make or has been involved in a complaint of unlawful discrimination or harassment.

 

(4)        Nothing in this clause is to be taken to affect:

 

(a)        any conduct or act which is specifically exempted from anti-decimation legislation;

 

(b)        offering or providing junior rates of pay to persons under 21 years of age;

 

(c)        any act or practice of a body established to propagate religion which is exempted under section 56(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977

 

(d)        a party to this award from pursuing matters of unlawful decimation in any State or federal jurisdiction.

 

(5)        This clause does not create legal rights or obligations in addition to those imposed upon the parties by legislation referred to in this clause.

 

37.       Personal/Carers Leave

 

(1)        Use of Sick Leave

 

1.1.1     An employee, other than a casual employee, with responsibilities in relation to a class of person set out in 1.1.3 (ii) who needs the employee’s care and support, shall be entitled to use, in accordance with this subclause, any current or accrued sick leave entitlement, for absences to provide care and support, for such persons when they are ill. Such leave may be taken for part of a single day.

 

1.1.2     The employee shall, if required, establish either by production of a medical certificate or statutory declaration, the illness of the person concerned and that the illness is such as to require care by another person, In normal circumstances, an employee must not take carer’s leave under this subclause where another person has taken leave to care for the same person.

 

1.1.3     The entitlement to use sick leave in accordance with this subclause is subject to:

 

(i)         the employee being responsible for the care of the person concerned; and

(ii)        the person concerned being:

 

(a)        a spouse of the employee; or

 

(b)        a de facto spouse, who, in relation to a person, is a person of the opposite sex to the first mentioned person who lives with the first mentioned person as the husband or wife of that person on a bona fide domestic basis although not legally married to that person; or

 

(c)        a child or an adult child (including an adopted child, a step child, a foster child or an ex-nuptial child), parent (including a foster parent and legal guardian) grandparent, grandchild or sibling of the employee or spouse or de facto spouse of the employee; or

 

(d)        a same sex partner who lives with the employee as the de factor partner of that employee on a bona fide domestic basis; or

 

(e)        a relative of the employee who is a member of the same household, where for the purposes of this paragraph:

 

1.          "relative" means a person related by blood, marriage or affinity;

 

2.          "affinity" means a relationship that one spouse because of marriage has to blood relatives of the other: and

 

3.          "household" means a family group living in the same domestic dwelling.

 

1.1.4     An employee shall, wherever practicable, give the employer notice prior to the absence of the intention to take leave, the name of the person requiring care and that person’s relationship to the employee, the reasons for taking such leave and the estimated length of absence. If it is not practicable for the employee to give prior notice of absence, the employee shall notify the employer by telephone of such absence at the first opportunity on the day of absence.

 

1.2        Unpaid Leave for Family Purpose

 

1.2.1     An employee may elect, with the consent of the employer, to take unpaid leave for the purpose of providing care and support to a member of a class of person set out in 1.1.3(ii) above who is ill.

 

1.3        Annual Leave

 

1.3.1     An employee may elect with the consent of the employer, subject to the Annual Holidays Act 1944 (NSW), to take annual leave not exceeding five days in single day periods or part thereof, in any calendar year at a time or times agreed by the parties.

 

1.3.2     Access to annual leave, as prescribed in paragraph 1.3.1 above, shall be exclusive of any shutdown period provided for elsewhere under this award.

 

1.3.3     An employee and employer may agree to defer payment of the annual leave loading in respect of single day absences, until at least five consecutive annual leave days are taken.

 

1.4        Time-off in Lieu of Payment for Overtime

 

1.4.1     An employee may elect, with the consent of the employer, to take time-off in lieu of payment for overtime at a time or times agreed with the employer within twelve (12) months of the said election.

 

1.4.2     Overtime taken as time off during ordinary time hours shall be taken at the ordinary time rate, that is an hour for each hour worked.

 

1.4.3     If, having elected to take time as leave in according with par 1.4.1 above, the leave is not taken for whatever reason, payment for time accrued at overtime rates shall be made at the expiry of the twelve (12) month period or on termination.

 

1.4.4     Where no election is made in accordance with par 1.4.1, the employee shall be paid overtime rates in accordance with the award.

 

14.4.5   for the purpose only of providing care and support for a person in accordance with clause 1.1 above, a despite the provisions of [insert clause number referring to a general time-off in lieu arrangements] the following provisions shall apply.

 

1.5        Make-up Time

 

1.5.1     An employee may elect, with the consent of the employer, to work "make up time", under which the employee takes time off ordinary hours, and works those hours at a later time, during the spread of ordinary hours provided in the award at the ordinary rate of pay.

 

1.5.2     An employee on shift work may elect, with the consent of the employer, to work "make up time" (under which the employee takes time off ordinary hours and works those hours at a later time at a later time), at the shift work rate which would have been applicable to the hours taken off.

 

1.6        Rostered days off

 

1.6.1     An employee may elect, with the consent of the employer, to take a rostered day off at any time.

 

1.6.2     An employee may elect, with the consent of the employer, to take rostered days off in part day amounts.

1.6.3     An employee may elect, with the consent of the employer, to accrue some or all rostered days off for the purpose of creating a bank to be drawn upon at a time mutually agreed between the employer and employee, or subject to reasonable notice by the employee or the employer.

 

1.6.4     This subclause is subject to the employer informing each union which is both party to the award and which has members employed at the particular enterprise of its intention to introduce an enterprise system of RDO flexibility, and providing a reasonable opportunity for the unions to participate in negotiations.

 

38.       Notice Board

 

Baulderstone Hornibrook shall provide notice boards of reasonable dimensions to be erected in prominent positions adjacent to crib facilities.  An accredited union representative, Baulderstone Hornibrook, or the Employer shall be permitted to put on the notice board, notices authorised by the representative posting them.  Any notice posted on such board not so authorised may be removed by an accredited union representative, Baulderstone Hornibrook, or the Employer.

 

39.       Right of Entry

 

Subject to the Industrial Relations Act 1996, to facilitate the communication process, a duly accredited officer of a Union Party to this Award, when visiting the Project is to advise the Baulderstone Hornibrook Project Manager or nominee of his/her presence on the Project upon arrival.

 

40.       Avoidance of Disputes - Grievance Procedures

 

It is a condition of employment and a fundamental requirement of this Award that this clause be observed in its entirety by all Parties to this Award.

 

On all occasions, any issue, grievance or dispute over any matter between the Parties to this Award shall be settled in accordance with this procedure without resorting to industrial action.  This shall apply whether the matter in dispute relates directly to site employment or not, or whether it relates to a matter dealt with by this Award or a relevant award, or not.

 

Parties to this Award will not be disadvantaged by continuity of operations.  It is agreed that issues and disputes will be processed through Avoidance of Disputes - Grievance Procedure and where required, with the assistance of the Monitoring Committee.

 

The Parties shall use their best endeavours to prevent disputes arising on the Project.  In the event that a dispute does arise:

 

(a)        the status quo which existed prior to the dispute shall prevail and work shall continue without prejudice to any of the Parties;

 

(b)        the Parties shall use their best endeavours to resolve the dispute, using the relevant steps in the following procedures.

 

Domestic Disputes

 

In the event of a Domestic Dispute the Parties will use their best endeavours to resolve the dispute as follows:

 

(a)        in the first instance, the Employee or Employees concerned and the immediate supervisor of the relevant Employer and if required, the Union Delegate shall endeavour to resolve the grievance or dispute;

 

(b)        if after step (a) the matter is not resolved, then the Employer's senior management, and Union Delegate shall confer in an endeavour to resolve the dispute;

 

(c)        if after step (b) the matter is still not resolved, then the relevant Union secretary or nominee, the Employer's senior management and the Baulderstone Hornibrook Project Manager, shall confer in an endeavour to resolve the dispute;

 

(d)        if after step (c) the matter remains unresolved, any of the Parties may notify a dispute to the Industrial Relations Commission but at the same time the Parties may continue to confer through the Labor Council of NSW or the Monitoring Committee to try and resolve the dispute.

 

Project Disputes

 

In the event of a Project Dispute, the Parties will use their best endeavours to resolve the dispute in the following steps:

 

(a)        in the first instance, the most senior on-site manager of each Employer and its Union Delegate involved in the dispute will confer;

 

(b)        if after step (a), the matter is not resolved then the secretary of the relevant Union or nominee, the Baulderstone Hornibrook Project Manager, and the senior management of the Employers involved shall confer in an endeavour to resolve the dispute;

 

(c)        if after step (b) the matter is still not resolved, the Employers or the Union(s) may notify a dispute to the Industrial Relations Commission but at the same time the Parties may continue to confer through the Labor Council of NSW or the Monitoring Committee to try and resolve the dispute.

 

Demarcation

 

In the event of any demarcation dispute on the Project no stoppage or industrial action shall be taken over actual or potential demarcation issues and the genuine status quo shall apply.  The genuine status quo shall be the way the work had been allocated by the respective employer prior to the dispute.

 

In the event of such disputes arising the issues shall be resolved by reference to the Labor Council in accordance with the ACTU guidelines for the resolution of demarcation disputes.  Should the matter not be resolved by the Labor Council, the matter may be referred to the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales or the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.

 

Throughout the process referred to above, the work in question shall continue.

 

Award Disputes

 

In the event of a dispute concerning this Award the Parties to the dispute will use their best endeavours to resolve the dispute using the Award Disputes procedure.  Where the Parties to the dispute are unable to reach agreement the matters will be referred to the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW for determination.

 

41.       Not a Precedent

 

The Parties will not use this Award as a precedent on any other project.

 

42.       No Extra Claims

 

The Unions will not make any extra claims in respect of matters covered by this Award for the duration of the Project.

 

43.       Adjustments to Superannuation and Redundancy Contributions

 

It is understood by the parties to this Award that after 1 October 1999, a new pattern agreement may exist. The new pattern agreement will state when its terms become payable ("the date"). This new pattern agreement may contain superannuation and redundancy contributions which are higher than the contributions in clauses 20 and 21 of this Award. If this occurs, then the higher pattern agreement contributions shall be paid to employees covered by this Award, commencing from their first pay period after the date.

 

44.       Signatures

 

SIGNED for and on behalf of

BAULDERSTONE HORNIBROOK

ENGINEERING PTY LIMITED

in the presence of

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Signature of Witness                                                                Date

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Name of Witness (Print)                                                          Date

 

 

SIGNED for and on behalf of

THE LABOR COUNCIL OF NSW

in the presence of

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Signature of Witness                                                                Date

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Name of Witness (Print)                                                          Date

 

 

SIGNED for and on behalf of

THE CONSTRUCTION, FORESTRY,

MINING AND ENERGY UNION,

(CONSTRUCTION AND GENERAL DIVISION)

NSW BRANCH

in the presence of

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Signature of Witness                                                                Date

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Name of Witness (Print)                                                          Date

 

 

SIGNED for and on behalf of

THE AUSTRALIAN WORKERS'UNION GREATER

NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH

in the presence of

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Signature of Witness                                                                Date

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Name of Witness (Print)                                                          Date

 

 

SIGNED for and on behalf of

THE ELECTRICAL TRADES UNION OF

AUSTRALIA NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH

in the presence of

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Signature of Witness                                                                Date

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Name of Witness (Print)                                                          Date

 

 

SIGNED for and on behalf of THE TRANSPORT

WORKERS' UNION OF AUSTRALIA

NEW SOUTH WALES BRANCH

in the presence of

 

................................                                                                      ................................

Signature of Witness                                                                Date

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Name of Witness (Print)                                                          Date

 

 

SIGNED for and on behalf of

THE NEW SOUTH WALES PLUMBERS’ & GASFITTERS

EMPLOYEES’ UNION

in the presence of

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Signature of Witness                                                                Date

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Name of Witness (Print)                                                          Date

 

 

SIGNED for and on behalf of

AUTOMOTIVE, FOODS, METALS, ENGINEERING,

PRINTING & KINDRED INDUSTRIES UNION NEW

SOUTH WALES BRANCH

in the presence of

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Signature of Witness                                                                Date

 

................................                                                                     ................................

Name of Witness (Print)                                                           Date

 

ANNEXURE A

 

Notation: This schedule is to be read in conjunction with relevant definitions in clause 4, Definitions

 

CLASSIFICATIONS COVERED BY THIS PROJECT CONSENT AWARD

 

Those classifications covered by the following Awards

 

Federal Awards

 

National Building and Construction Industry Award 1990

National Metal and Engineering On-Site Construction Industry Award

Plumbing Industry (New South Wales) Award 1983

Sprinkler Pipe Fitters Award 1975

Mobile Crane Hiring Award

Asphalt & Bitumen Industry (NSW & ACT) Award 1999

 

State Awards

 

General Construction and Maintenance, Civil and Mechanical Engineering

(State) Award

Asphalt and Bitumen Industry (State) Award

Building and Construction Industry Labourers' On-Site (State) Award

Building Tradesmen (State) Construction Award

Electrical Contracting Industry (State) Award

Plant, &c, Operators on Construction (State) Award

Plumbers and Gasfitters (State) Award

Landscape Gardeners &c. on Building and General Construction and

Maintenance Civil and Mechanical Engineering (State) Award

Transport Industry State Award and Transport Industry Mixed Enterprise

State Award and applicable NSW Determinations.

 

P. J. SAMS, DP

____________________

 

 

Printed by the authority of the Industrial Registrar.

 

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