This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084), outlining the minimum pay rates, allowances, penalty rates, and other entitlements for employees in this industry. It is designed to help employers and employees understand their rights and obligations under the award.

Introduction

The Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084) is a legally binding document that sets out the minimum wages and working conditions for employees in the storage services and wholesale industry in Australia. This award covers a wide range of roles, including storeworkers, warehouse workers, delivery drivers, and administrative staff. It ensures that all employees in this industry are treated fairly and receive a minimum level of pay and benefits. The award is regularly reviewed and updated by the Fair Work Commission to reflect changes in the industry and the broader economy. This ensures that it remains relevant and provides a fair and just workplace for all involved.

This guide provides a clear and concise explanation of the key components of the Storage Services and Wholesale Award, including pay rates, allowances, penalty rates, and other entitlements. It is designed to be a practical resource for employers and employees alike, making it easy to understand the requirements of the award and ensure compliance. The guide also highlights the importance of maintaining accurate pay records and complying with the Fair Work Regulations 2009. Understanding the provisions of this award is crucial for both employers and employees in the storage services and wholesale industry. It provides a framework for fair and equitable employment practices, ensuring that all workers receive the wages and benefits they deserve.

Key Components of the Award

The Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084) is structured around several key components that determine the minimum terms and conditions of employment for workers in this industry. These components include⁚

• Pay Rates⁚ The award specifies minimum hourly rates for different classifications of employees based on their skills, experience, and responsibilities. These rates are adjusted annually to reflect changes in the cost of living.
• Allowances⁚ The award includes various allowances for employees who perform specific tasks or work in particular circumstances. These allowances can cover things like travel time, tool use, and working in hazardous environments.
• Penalty Rates⁚ The award sets out penalty rates for employees who work outside of regular hours, such as weekends, public holidays, and overtime; These rates are designed to compensate employees for the inconvenience of working outside of standard hours.
• Part-Time Employment⁚ The award includes provisions for part-time employees, ensuring they receive fair and equitable treatment, including pro rata entitlements for leave and other benefits.
• Variations to the Award⁚ The award allows for variations to be made through enterprise agreements, which can be negotiated between employers and employees. These agreements can provide for more favorable conditions than the award, but they must comply with the National Employment Standards.

These key components ensure that the award provides a comprehensive framework for fair and just employment practices in the storage services and wholesale industry.

Pay Rates

The Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084) sets out minimum hourly pay rates for employees in various classifications within the industry. These classifications are based on the employee’s skills, experience, and responsibilities. The award aims to ensure that all employees receive fair and equitable compensation for their work.

The award outlines several pay categories, including⁚

• Storeworker Grade⁚ This category covers employees who perform general warehouse duties such as receiving, handling, and storing goods, as well as assisting customers. The pay rate for this grade is typically the minimum hourly rate, which is updated annually.
• Supervisory Grade⁚ This category includes employees who supervise a team of storeworkers and are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the warehouse. The pay rate for this grade is typically higher than the minimum hourly rate, reflecting their increased responsibility and experience.
• Other Classifications⁚ The award also includes pay rates for other classifications, such as forklift operators, drivers, and administrative staff. The specific pay rate for each classification depends on the employee’s skills and experience, as well as the nature of their responsibilities.

It is crucial to refer to the Pay Guide for the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 for the most up-to-date information on pay rates. The guide provides a comprehensive summary of pay rates for different classifications and is available for download on the Fair Work website.

Allowances

The Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084) also includes provisions for various allowances that may be payable to employees in addition to their base pay rate. These allowances are designed to compensate employees for specific circumstances or responsibilities associated with their work.

Some common allowances included in the award include⁚

• Overtime Allowances⁚ Employees who work overtime, which is defined as work performed outside their regular hours, are entitled to an overtime allowance. This allowance is typically calculated at a higher rate than their base pay rate, reflecting the inconvenience of working outside their regular hours.
• Shift Allowances⁚ Employees who work shift work, such as evening or night shifts, may be entitled to a shift allowance. This allowance is designed to compensate employees for the disruption to their normal routines and the potential inconvenience of working outside standard hours.
• Tool Allowances⁚ Employees who are required to use their own tools or equipment for work may be entitled to a tool allowance. This allowance is intended to reimburse employees for the cost of using their own tools and equipment.
• Travel Allowances⁚ Employees who are required to travel for work may be entitled to a travel allowance. This allowance is designed to cover the costs of travel, such as petrol, tolls, and parking fees.
• Other Allowances⁚ The award may also include allowances for other specific circumstances, such as working in hazardous conditions or working on public holidays.

It is important to note that the specific allowances that are payable to employees will depend on their specific circumstances and the terms of their employment agreement. Employees should consult with their employer or a union representative to determine the allowances that are applicable to their work.

Penalty Rates

The Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084) also includes provisions for penalty rates, which are additional payments made to employees for working during certain periods or under specific circumstances. These penalty rates are designed to compensate employees for the inconvenience of working outside standard hours or in less desirable conditions.

Some common penalty rates included in the award include⁚

• Public Holiday Penalty Rates⁚ Employees who work on public holidays are generally entitled to a penalty rate, usually calculated as a multiple of their ordinary hourly rate. The specific penalty rate will depend on the particular public holiday and the time of day worked.
• Sunday Penalty Rates⁚ Employees who work on Sundays are often entitled to a penalty rate, typically calculated as a multiple of their ordinary hourly rate. The specific penalty rate will depend on the time of day worked on Sunday.
• Overtime Penalty Rates⁚ Employees who work overtime are generally entitled to a penalty rate, typically calculated as a multiple of their ordinary hourly rate. The specific penalty rate will depend on the number of hours worked overtime and the time of day.
• Nightwork Penalty Rates⁚ Employees who work during night hours, often defined as a specific period after a certain time in the evening, may be entitled to a nightwork penalty rate, which is typically calculated as a multiple of their ordinary hourly rate.

It is important to note that the specific penalty rates that are payable to employees will depend on their specific circumstances and the terms of their employment agreement. Employees should consult with their employer or a union representative to determine the penalty rates that are applicable to their work.

Part-Time Employment

The Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084) provides specific provisions for part-time employees, ensuring they are treated fairly and receive appropriate entitlements. Part-time employees are those who work less than 38 hours per week. The award outlines minimum entitlements for part-time employees, including pay rates, leave, and other benefits.

The award stipulates that part-time employees must be paid a pro rata amount of their full-time equivalent salary, based on the number of hours they work. This means that their hourly rate should be the same as a full-time employee doing the same work, but their total earnings will be less due to working fewer hours.

Part-time employees are also entitled to the same leave entitlements as full-time employees, but these entitlements are prorated based on the number of hours they work. For example, a part-time employee who works 20 hours per week would be entitled to half the annual leave of a full-time employee.

The award also includes provisions for part-time employees regarding notice of termination, redundancy pay, and other benefits. It is essential for both employers and part-time employees to understand these provisions to ensure compliance with the award and protect the rights of all employees.

Variations to the Award

The Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084) is subject to variations, which are changes made to the award to reflect changes in the industry or to address specific circumstances. These variations can be made by the Fair Work Commission (FWC), the body responsible for administering awards in Australia.

Variations to the award can cover a range of issues, including pay rates, allowances, penalty rates, leave entitlements, and other working conditions. They can be made in response to a range of factors, such as changes in the cost of living, technological advancements, or new industry practices.

To ensure that employers and employees are aware of any changes to the award, the FWC publishes details of all variations on its website. It is important to stay up-to-date on these variations, as they can significantly impact the terms and conditions of employment in the storage services and wholesale industry.

The FWC also provides guidance on how to interpret and apply variations to the award. This guidance can be accessed through the FWC website or by contacting the FWC directly. Employers and employees should familiarize themselves with any variations that apply to their workplace to ensure compliance with the award and protect the rights of all employees.

Resources and Support

Navigating the complexities of the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084) can be challenging, but there are a number of resources and support services available to assist employers and employees. The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) is a valuable resource for both parties, offering a range of information and support services. They provide free advice on workplace rights and obligations, including interpreting the award, resolving disputes, and understanding employee entitlements.

The FWO’s website offers a wealth of information, including fact sheets, guides, and FAQs specifically related to the Storage Services and Wholesale Award. You can also contact them directly via phone or email for personalized assistance. The FWC, responsible for administering awards, provides a range of online resources, including the Award Viewer, where you can access the full text of the award and its variations. They also offer free online training modules on various aspects of workplace relations, including award interpretation and compliance.

Additionally, the National Retail Association (NRA), representing retailers and fast food businesses, provides valuable information and support services to its members, including resources related to the Storage Services and Wholesale Award. They offer advice on employment law, workplace relations, and compliance matters. These resources can help you navigate the intricacies of the award and ensure you’re fulfilling your obligations as an employer or employee.

Compliance and Enforcement

Compliance with the Storage Services and Wholesale Award 2020 (MA000084) is crucial for employers in the industry. The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) plays a vital role in enforcing the award and ensuring fair treatment of employees. They investigate complaints from employees regarding breaches of the award, such as underpayment of wages, unpaid leave entitlements, or unfair dismissal. The FWO has the power to issue infringement notices to employers who fail to comply with the award, which can involve significant financial penalties.

In addition to the FWO, the Fair Work Commission (FWC) has the authority to resolve disputes related to the award, including disputes over pay rates, allowances, and penalty rates. The FWC can also make orders requiring employers to comply with the award, including back payments of wages and other entitlements. It’s essential for employers to understand their responsibilities under the award and maintain accurate records of employee wages and entitlements. This includes keeping track of hours worked, overtime, leave taken, and any other relevant information.

Employers should also be aware of the penalties for non-compliance, which can be substantial. By understanding the award and complying with its provisions, employers can avoid potential legal issues and ensure a fair and compliant workplace for their employees.