New retail IR system touted

NATIONAL: Fashion retail workers could benefit from moves by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) to update the retail awards system.

The peak retail industry body has announced plans to lobby the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) to streamline the awards system for retail workers.

On May 26, the AIRC entered first stage in the Federal Government’s program to update Australia’s 4,000 federal and state industrial awards through an 'awards modernisation' process.

ARA executive director Richard Evans confirmed that with the final written submission due to the AIRC by June 6, the ARA would present to the full board on behalf of millions of Australian retail sector workers still on "archaic" award wage structures.

He said any modern award for the retail industry should initially cover only the most common employee types employed within the sector. 

"This is the more manageable approach ensuring there are no inappropriate or unfavourable outcomes for employers given the short timeframe available with this awards review process."

The ARA would also advocate a clause providing "maximum flexibility and simplicity for the retail sector", which was made up of "vastly different business types and sizes."

"The geographical differences associated with trading hours and other operational requirements of these businesses call for flexibility which can't be achieved through overly complex and restrictive requirements."

"The ARA will not oppose the draft timetable proposed by the AIRC but will emphasise the enormity of the task facing the retail sector as a priority industry and the importance of understanding that a realistic approach needs to be taken regarding the coverage and content of modern award terms. The ARA will also advocate the AIRC should allow for formal hearings throughout the process to ensure parties have a full opportunity to advance their positions."

To assist with this task, the ARA had enlisted Adelaide University’s Professor Andrew Stewart, an expert on employment law and workplace relations, to develop a discussion paper and draft a Modern Award on behalf of the ARA, Evans said.