The new 2017 wage rates for the Hospitality Industry (General) Award 2010 (HIGA) which are applicable from the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2017 can be downloaded here.

These published rates are in accordance with the determination of the Fair Work Commission of 21 June 2017 and these new wage rates incorporate the FWC decision of 21 June for the reduction in Sunday and Public Holiday penalty rates within the HIGA.

Members are advised that United Voice have filed an application in the Federal Court for a judicial challenge to the FWC reduced penalty rates decision for the HIGA and this Federal Court matter will progress in the next week or so.

There is not a public holiday in Victoria until October 2017 and it would be expected that the United Voice Federal Court matter is determined by that date.

In relation to the reduction in Sunday penalty rates from 1 July 2017 the reduction is 175% to 170% and is only applicable to full time and part time employees who are paid according to a time sheet each pay period (not being applicable to casual employees or salaried employees).

If the United Voice Federal Court application were to be successful, this may require a back payment in respect of the aforementioned full time and part time employees who have worked. We hope that this will not be the outcome of the Federal Court matter.

If an any member does not wish to apply the Sunday and Public Holiday penalty rates to existing employees, new wage rates for the HIGA, without the reduction in penalty rates are available from AHA (Vic) upon request.

Should any member wish to discuss please do not hesitate to give me a call on 03 9654 7100 or email me at j.sweetman@ahavic.com.au.

Regards,

John Sweetman
Workplace Relations Advisor