The new industrial relations system is set to create an uneven playing field among skilled tradespeople, which is set to threaten multi-billion dollar resource projects, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA says.
With only weeks to go for the next round of changes to take place under the new IR laws, CCIWA has again expressed its concern of the creation of a single award for the mining and resources construction industry.
The new IR laws come into effect on January 1.
CCIWA principal industrial relations policy adviser Jonric Ridley said the new system is set to significantly increase the cost of doing business and disadvantage highly skilled tradespeople.
"An examination of the Award reveals all on-site workers, including those in the building; civil construction; and engineering construction projects, will be classified according to the same pay scale," he said.
"The pay scale to be adopted will result in substantial wage increases for some workers with no corresponding change in the nature of their job; and pay cuts for highly skilled trades.
"This will discourage people from wanting to improve their skills by learning a trade as it won't result in better pay and conditions.
"These cost increases could also threaten the viability of multi-billion dollar resource projects both planned and prospective.
Mr Ridley added that unions have also signaled that if the new award goes ahead, it will be demanding that current rates of pay are maintained.
"This will result in substantial pay increases across the industry," he said.
CCIWA has lodged a submission to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission seeking changes to the award.
The new IR system is aiming to condense more than 2,000 awards to about 121 by the end of the year.
