Fair Work Commission decision rejects union application to vary the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010 to include district allowances.

Home / HABA Blog / Fair Work Commission decision rejects union application to vary the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010 to include district allowances.

Posted December 9, 2019

HABA and Ai Group have worked together for many years – they have been our partner, helping us to shape the Hair and Beauty Award 2010 with the salon owner at the front of mind, fighting against and winning against outlandish union claims and change requests.

The Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) has successfully convinced the Fair Work Commission (FWC) to reject the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association’s (SDA) claim to insert costly district allowances into the Hair and Beauty Industry Award 2010 (Award).

The SDA sought to include a weekly allowance of approximately $36 which would be payable to employees in various regions of Western Australia. The union argued that the allowance should be paid to compensate employees for the higher cost of living, isolation and climatic conditions faced by employees in those regions.

Ai Group strongly opposed the SDA’s claim. It filed detailed written submissions against it and appeared in a hearing before a Full Bench. In its decision, the FWC agreed with many of the key arguments advanced by Ai Group and as such have decided to reject the application for changes made by the SDA. This is a great win for salon owners in WA, who would be extremely adversely affected by having to pay this extra allowance.

As a member of HABA and in our partnership with Ai Group, salon owners are offered a voice at all levels of government, offering leadership and influence on policy decision making. It means when outlandish claims are made by influential bodies like the SDA you have a team that is fighting for your business on your side, ensuring that your best interests are represented as these changes are drafted.

In instances where you have a need for a workplace lawyer, you have a team of experts on your side offering the best and most cost-effective advice and representation.

If you have any further questions about the involvement of Ai Group and HABA in legislation, policy and workplace law, we are here to offer you easy-to-understand advice through one of our Industrial Relations Advisors who can assist you with any questions you might have –  we would love to hear from you. Just call (02) 9221 9911 or email info@askhaba.com.au and one of our advisers will get back to you as soon as we can.