FED: Long running award simplification finally handed down

AAP General News (Australia)
08-10-1999
FED: Long running award simplification finally handed down

An award simplification case criticised by the federal government and employers over
lengthy delays has been finally handed down after two-and-a-half years.

The Australian Industrial Relations Commission (AIRC) decision on the Graphic Arts Award
came after criticism from employers' body the Australian Industry Group (AIG) about long
delays in the simplification process.

Under the process, the federal government has ordered the AIRC to pare back federal awards
to 20 basic conditions.

AIG chief executive BOB HERBERT and Workplace Relations Minister PETER REITH have
criticised unions for dragging the chain on simplification, citing the Graphic Arts Award as
the low point.

Yesterday's decision has also been criticised by the printers' union.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union says the scrapping of a requirement that
printers using dangerous machinery and toxins be in sight of another at all times defied
commonsense.

AAP RTV dep/tsm/rsm/wz

KEYWORD: AWARD PRINTERS (SYDNEY)

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