At meetings across Australia today, Kmart workplace delegates overwhelmingly endorsed a proposed package for a new enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA) that will protect existing employee’s higher rates of pay, contain full award penalty rates, provide pay rises for all, a $450 bonus payment, two days paid domestic violence leave and preserve above award conditions.
SDA National Secretary Gerard Dwyer said Kmart had been advised of the SDA delegates endorsement of the EBA proposal this afternoon.
The now ‘in-principle agreement’ would now be finalised, and then put to employees to vote on in the months ahead.
“The new proposed EBA would strike the right balance between shifting to a penalty rates structure which reflects full Award penalties while protecting existing Kmart workers higher wages and delivering pay rises for all,” Mr Dwyer said.
“This new in-principle Kmart agreement would deliver the things that matter to workers, such as regular pay increases for all employees and the protection of hard-won conditions.”
“All Kmart workers would receive annual pay increases and full-time workers would receive a $450 bonus with a pro rata amount paid to casual and part time staff.”
“Importantly, this new agreement maintains hard won above award conditions such as superior rostering provisions, voluntary work on public holidays, additional public holidays and picnic days in certain states and better leave provisions.”
“We’re particularly pleased that this agreement locks in two days paid domestic violence leave with additional access to unpaid leave when requested.”
“The pay rates of existing Kmart workers have been preserved in this agreement, and these employees, whose base rate is higher, will receive 1.75% per annum increases with new employees on the new pay structure receiving the annual Fair Work Commission’s increases,” Mr Dwyer said.
Finalisation of the EBA and development of payroll system capabilities to cater for the new EBA will now be undertaken.
Kmart delegates will meet again over July / August and the proposed EBA will then be put to a vote of employees on a date to be determined. The $450 bonus (pro rata for part time and casual employees) would be payable upon the declaration of a positive vote.
If the EBA is approved by Kmart employees, it will then be lodged with the Fair Work Commission.
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