The first 122 modern awards commenced on 1 January 2010 coinciding with the introduction of the new national workplace relations system under the Fair Work Act 2009.

Together with 10 minimum National Employment Standards (NES) and the national minimum wage, the modern awards make up a safety net for employees in the new system.  While modern awards commenced on 1 January 2010, many contain transitional arrangements which phase-in changes in wages, loadings and penalty rates over a five-year period, ending on 30 June 2014.

Prior to 1 January 2010, an employer may have been covered by a NAPSA or a Pre-Reform Federal Award, or may have been “award-free”. For every award based employee – there is now a modern award.  For most employers operating predominantly in the wine industry, growing wine grapes or producing wine the Wine Industry Award 2010 applies.  For those employers that have diverse operations as part of their business other modern awards may well apply.

Employers must meet the terms and conditions of modern awards and the NES as a minimum obligation toward their employees. There are provisions which allow for enforcement and compliance with these obligations by the Fair Work Ombudsman and Unions. 

If a member requires assistance with any issue relating to the Wine Industry Award 2010 or what other modern awards may be applicable to their business operaitons please contact SAWIA.