On Wednesday, All Trades Queensland (ATQ) along with the Queensland Master Builders Association (MBA) and the Housing Industry Association (HIA) filed an appeal in the Federal Court of Australia in relation to this month’s earlier decision by the Full Bench of the Fair Work Commission.
The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) is angered, but not surprirsed by the ATQ’s decision to launch yet another appeal.
Earlier this month, FWC dismissed the appeal against their ruling that All Trades Queensland’s agreement should be measured against the Modern Awards not outdated State Awards. The decision has wide ranging consequences for the pay and conditions for apprentices in Queensland. Some estimates suggest more than $5 million is owed to apprentices throughout Queensland.
AMWU QLD and NT State Secretary, Rohan Webb slammed the move by ATQ, MBA and HIA, saying that Queensland Apprentices deserve better.
“We just want to see apprentices getting paid what they deserve. In this day and age no one should have to work for just $8 an hour”.
“These organisations are taking advantage of vulnerable young workers and undermining the minimum safety net for wages and conditions,” he said.
The AMWU is committed to keeping up the fight to ensure ATQ apprentices are provided with decent pay and conditions. We will continue to explore the legal options for ATQ apprentices, and other apprentices in Queensland in respect of wages and entitlements that may be owed due to the dodgy industry practice of applying old and outdated State Awards.
Media Contact:
Julie-Ann Campbell 0429 777 082