Fair Work Australia has granted an increase of 3.4% to modern award weekly wage rates, including those in the Building and Construction General On-site Award 2010. This increase will take effect from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2011.
The Building and Construction General On-site Award 2010 has also been updated with increases to the following allowances:
- Tool and employee protection allowances
- Meal allowance
- Compensation for clothes and tools
- Camping allowance
- Travelling expenses.
You can find the new wage rates and allowances in the updated Building and Construction General On-site Award 2010 available from the Fair Work Australia website. For updated versions of other modern awards please visit the Find an Award page of the Fair Work Australia website.
How to prepare for 1 July 2011
Employers and employees in the construction industry should prepare for the change to minimum pay rates by:
1. Checking what you are covered by - this could be a modern award, a collective agreement, or other type of industrial instrument. If you are unsure of what you are covered by contact the ABCC on 1800 003 338 or talk to your employer association or union.
2. Keeping up to date with changes in your modern award - you can be alerted to changes in your modern award by registering with Fair Work Australia Subscriptions.
3. Checking that payroll systems are ready - You should check that your payroll systems and / or staff are preparing for the change and are aware that it will apply from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2011.
You can contact the ABCC Hotline on 1800 003 338 for advice and assistance about this change.