Coronavirus: Application to vary VMRSR Award approved

15 May 2020

The Fair Work Commission has approved a joint application submitted to vary the Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair Services and Retail Award (VMRSR Award), in a bid to help businesses stay open and workers stay employed.

The Award variation was the outcome of lengthy discussions involving VACC Industrial Relations (IR) Manager, Bill Chesterman and representatives from the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as employers, the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association.

The agreed temporary Award amendments aim to preserve the viability of businesses and their employees not entitled to the JobKeeper Payment scheme. It provides employers with flexibility around the range of duties that employees can perform and allows for a temporary reduction in working hours for full-time and part-time staff, as well as the ability for an employer to direct employees to take annual leave (subject to certain conditions).

Additionally, the Award variation allows employers to direct employees to take leave and close down operations for reasons attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic or government initiative, in order to slow the transmission of the virus.

The VACC IR Department will release more detailed information to members shortly, in the form of an email Bulletin. If further questions or queries arise, members can contact the Department directly:

VACC IR Department
P: 03 9829 1123
E: ir@vacc.com.au

For more information
Fair Work Commission: Vehicle Manufacturing, Repair, Services and Retail Award 2010