The Crown Employees (Storemen &c) Award has been varied by the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW, to insert Clause 3A, Deduction of Union Membership Fees.

The variation is effective from the first full pay period to commence on or after 6 March 2003.

The clause mirrors the model clause negotiated between the Public Employment Office and the Labor Council as advised in Circular 2002-11, Deduction of Union Membership Fees - Model Clause. The variation is as follows:

"Deduction of Union Membership Fees

(i) The union shall provide the employer with a schedule setting out union fortnightly membership fees payable by members of the union in accordance with the union's rules.

(ii) The union shall advise the employer of any change to the amount of fortnightly membership fees made under its rules. Any variation to the schedule of union fortnightly membership fees payable shall be provided to the employer at least one month in advance of the variation taking effect.

(iii) Subject to (i) and (ii) above, the employer shall deduct union fortnightly membership fees from the pay of any employee who is a member of the union in accordance with the union's rules, provided that the employee has authorised the employer to make such deductions.

(iv) Monies so deducted from employee's pay shall be forwarded regularly to the union together with all necessary information to enable the union to reconcile and credit subscriptions to employees' union membership accounts.

(v) Unless other arrangements are agreed to by the employer and the union, all union membership fees shall be deducted on a fortnightly basis.

(vi) Where an employee has already authorised the deduction of union membership fees from his or her pay prior to this clause taking effect, nothing in this clause shall be read as requiring the employee to make a fresh authorisation in order for such deductions to continue."

Any enquiries may be directed to Bronwyn Dennis on (02) 9228 3165.

C Gellatly
Director-General