Awards

What is an Award?

An Award, including a Modern Award, is a legally enforceable set of minimum terms and conditions of employment.  Awards operate in conjunction with the National Employment Standards (a legislated set of minimum standards), and together they provide a fair and relevant minimum safety net of terms and conditions of employment.

An Award applies to employees in a particular industry or occupation and is used as the benchmark for ensuring Enterprise Agreements pass the Better Off overall test before they are approved by the Fair Work Commission.  The Fair Work Commission also has responsibility for making and varying Awards in the national workplace relations system.

Since 1 January 2010 new Modern Awards commenced operation.  Following an extensive review prior to 2010, these new Modern Awards have consolidated the terms and conditions spread across thousands of different State and Federal Awards which previously operated.

There are a number of Modern Awards which apply to work performed in the industries the SDA covers.  These include:

• General Retail Industry Award 2010
• Fast Food Industry Award 2010
• Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2010
• Pharmacy Industry Award 2010
• Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2010
• Pharmaceutical Industry Award 2010
• Travelling Shows Award 2010
• Mannequins and Models Award 2010

Which Award applies to me?

If you are unsure which Award you are covered by, members should contact the SDA.

Note: many SDA members are covered by an Enterprise Agreement, and not an Award.

Where can I get a copy of my Award?

Awards can be accessed above or copies can be made available to members of the SDA who contact the Branch.