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ARTICLE · 16 JUNE 2020

Fair Work Commission seeks to vary modern awards

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A new "Schedule X" contains additional leave benefits to assist employers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

AustraliaEmployment and HR
Michael Selinger
Michael Selinger
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Fair Work Commission seeks to vary modern awards

On 1 April 2020, the Fair Work Commission (Commission) announced its proposal to vary certain modern awards by inserting a new "Schedule X" containing additional measures to assist employers and employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 103 modern awards nominated by the Commission to be amended are set out at the end of this article.

The awards will be varied to provide:

  • an entitlement to unpaid 'pandemic leave
  • the flexibility to take annual leave at half pay.

These amendments will only be operational until 30 June 2020.

The Commission is making these amendments to ensure the selected modern awards achieve their objective of providing a fair and relevant minimum safety net of terms and conditions.

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This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.

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