TRMC seeks reinstatement of Schedule X
TRMC is pushing the Fair Work Commission to reinstate Schedule X into the industry award, which allows two weeks of unpaid leave for self isolation, and double holidays for half pay.
Schedule X was originally inserted into most industry Awards, including the industry’s Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award, in April last year. It was proposed by the Fair Work Commission at its own initiative, and supported by The Real Media Collective at the time.
At the time, the Fair Work Commission felt, given the impact of Covid-19 on employers and employees, such terms were necessary and to do otherwise would result in a regulatory gap, compared to health directions. It said interleaving Schedule X would offer flexibility, encourage employees to self-isolate when required to do so, limit the potential for a spreading event in workplaces, and allow businesses to continue to operate.
However, it expired at the end of March. The FWC is now looking at it again, and the matter will be determined by the Commission in the coming weeks.
TRMC says that the recent Covid related lockdowns across various states, and the ongoing state of heightened alert for all states and territories, along with the mixed business outcomes for members during those periods, “has evidenced the further need for both employers and employees to have access to flexible and supportive employment terms for those situations”.
Kellie Northwood, CEO, The Real Media Collective, said: “Despite the national Covid-19 vaccination programme being underway, and which appears critical in reducing further outbreaks of the virus, there is a strong basis to believe at this time the programme will not reach crucially relevant levels until at least the last quarter of 2021. This means society and our industry have not yet left potentially dangerous waters.
“It must also be noted that this clause will not preclude the parties agreeing additional or alternative pandemic related employment arrangements, rather offers supportive options.”