August 16, 2016
The Electrical Trades Union has claimed as many as 1000 electrical apprentices around Queensland employed by group training organisations could be being under-paid by up to $4 an hour.
The union says this follows a decision handed down by the Fair Work Commission last week.
Late on Friday, the Fair Work Commission ruled that an apprentices agreement by a group training organisation (All Trades Queensland) should be measured against the Modern Award of $12.66 an hour, not the State Award of $8.75.
All Trades Queensland’s EBA pays apprentices $9.75 an hour.
ETU spokesman Scott Reichman said the decision would mean the majority of apprentices employed in group training organisations could be due for a pay rise.
“There are about 1800 electrical apprentices in group training organisations across Queensland and about 1000 of those are being paid under the State award, which is more than $100 a week less than the poverty line,” he said.
“We have argued this kind of exploitation of apprentices has been driving young people away from our industry as they struggle to afford to pay for transport, food or rent.
“It has now been proven this is the wrong award, and we want to ensure our most vulnerable workers are being paid the correct rate.
“We encourage any apprentices who are unsure whether they are being paid at the right rate to contact the ETU office as soon as possible to begin pursuing their entitlements.”
All Trades Queensland has 21 days to appeal the decision.
