Drakes Enterprise Agreement: Everything You Need to Know
In Australia, Drakes Supermarkets is one of the largest independent supermarket chains with over 60 stores in South Australia and Queensland. Recently, the supermarket giant signed a new enterprise agreement with its employees, which has stirred up quite a buzz in the industry.
So, what is this Drakes Enterprise Agreement all about? In this article, we will dive deep into the details and understand what it means for the employees and the company as a whole.
The Basics of the Drakes Enterprise Agreement
For starters, an enterprise agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of employment between an employer and its staff. In this case, the Drakes Enterprise Agreement covers the supermarket chain`s retail, warehousing, and logistics employees in Queensland.
The agreement was approved by the Fair Work Commission (FWC) on June 28th, 2021, and covers a four-year period starting from July 1st, 2021. The agreement has several provisions, including employee entitlements, wages, working hours, and dispute resolution procedures.
Let`s take a closer look at some of the key features of the agreement.
Wages and Entitlements
One of the main highlights of the agreement is the wage increase for employees. As per the agreement, the starting wage for retail employees will be $22.30 per hour, which is well above the current minimum wage in Queensland.
In addition to the wage increase, the agreement also provides for various employee entitlements, including penalty rates for working on weekends and public holidays, annual leave, sick leave, and long service leave. The agreement also includes provisions for superannuation contributions and redundancy payments.
Working Hours and Rosters
The agreement also deals with working hours and rosters for employees. The agreement states that full-time employees will have a guaranteed minimum of 38 hours per week, with flexible working arrangements available for part-time employees.
The agreement also provides for a seven-day roster cycle, where employees will work a combination of morning, afternoon, and night shifts over a seven-day period. The roster is designed to ensure that employees are given a fair and equitable distribution of work hours.
Dispute Resolution Procedures
The agreement also establishes a dispute resolution procedure to deal with any disputes between the company and its employees. The procedure provides for a conciliation process, where an independent third party will be appointed to mediate between the two parties.
If the conciliation process fails, the matter will be referred to the FWC for arbitration. This procedure ensures that any disputes are resolved quickly and efficiently, without causing any disruption to the business operations.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Drakes Enterprise Agreement is a significant development in the retail industry, providing employees with better wages, entitlements, and working conditions. The agreement is a testament to the company`s commitment to its employees and its customers.
As Australia`s largest independent supermarket chain, Drakes Supermarkets has set a benchmark for other retailers to follow. The enterprise agreement is a win-win for both the company and its employees, fostering a positive work environment and ensuring the continued success of the business.