The Chamber of Commerce and Industry WA has welcomed several changes by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission to the new awards system, which is due to start in several weeks.
The AIRC today handed down its decision on the award modernisation process, which the government is seeking to condense more than 1,500 awards into 122 by the end of the month.
Some changes ordered by the AIRC include that the miscellaneous award not cover professional employees, such as accountants, and the rejection of higher penalty rates in the restaurant and catering industry.
Changes have also been made to the local government industry award to allow greater flexibility in hours worked by full-time and part-time employees.
"Today's decision by the Commission will assist Western Australian business and industry prepare for the most significant shake-up of Australia's industrial relations awards system in its history," CCIWA said in a statement.
"Despite today's changes, CCI remains concerned the new system will impose more regulation on employers, and potentially add to the cost of doing business across the Nation."
