TRMC wins reinstatement of Schedule X in Awards

The Real Media Collective (TRMC) has secured a win for the industry, with the reinstatement of Schedule X for all printers, following submission during the recent lockdowns. 

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) has reinstated Schedule X in the Award in the same terms as previously applied, and effective from the first full pay period that starts on or after last Friday 23 July, and until 31 December.

Essentially, the Schedule in the Award covers two matters: providing for unpaid pandemic leave of up to two weeks for an employee, required by government or a medical authority to self-isolate for Covid related reasons; and permitting an employer and employee to agree to an employee taking double the period of annual leave at the half-pay.

Kellie Northwood, CEO, TRMC, said: “This is a much-needed option for many of our members and broader industry currently impacted across Australia. I want to thank our members who participated in not only this matter specifically, but also in our industry metrics survey – the metrics we were able to include in our submission was significant in arguing the matter."

In June, TRMC submitted the request specifically to the print industry’s requirements into the FWC, arguing that it reinstate Schedule X into the Graphic Arts Printing and Publishing Award, which has now been approved, securing a win for the industry.

“In making our submissions to the Commission, TRMC and the various members we consulted with agreed Schedule X continued to be a reasonable measure to assist employees through the Covid-19 period and there was merit in its reinstatement. Given the recent lockdowns across Australia, and particularly the increased cases of COVID in the greater Sydney region,” commented Charles Watson, GM – IR, Policy and Governance, TRMC.

Schedule X was originally inserted into most industry and professional Awards, including the industry’s Graphic Arts, Printing and Publishing Award, in April last year. The Schedule was proposed by the FWC at its own initiative and supported, without opposition, by TRMC at the time.

“There is a clear need for supportive options to ensure businesses and their employees get through current difficult times. The reinstated Schedule X provisions provide businesses in the industry, along with their employees, additional options to assist businesses and employees who have been impacted by the recent lockdowns and should an employee is ordered into a period of isolation. Members are reminded that if those provisions of the Award are used, appropriate records be kept of any such agreement,” furthered Watson.