Update uniform dispute – Magistrate critical of “poorly written” uniform allowance clause

The Chief Industrial Magistrate has made comments in ongoing proceedings which would suggest that the uniform allowance clause in our Award which was agreed on in 2007 is completely inadequate.  The magistrate stated in court that the clause was “poorly written with no amount stipulated”, he suggested that in the absence of an amount it would be very difficult for him to make orders.

The magistrate indicated that he found it disappointing that back in 2007 the STA and the Union allowed the clause in its current form to be inserted in the Award.  He instructed STA to write to the Union suggesting a dollar amount of the annual uniform allowance following which both parties would appear before him again and he would try and conciliate the matter.

While the Union solicitors acknowledged the magistrates comments and the associated difficulties, they are still confident that the Award can be varied to stipulate a dollar amount for the uniform allowance.