Union Picnic Day, 1992 in various trades and wages awards is the first Monday in December ie 4 December 1995.

Some of these awards contain a provision that employers may require their employees to produce evidence (butts of union picnic tickets) of the employees' attendance at the picnic before payment of the day is approved.

In Bulletin No. 27 of 1992 the Public Employment Industrial Relations Service (PEIRS) advised all agencies to discontinue the practice of requiring employees to produce evidence of their attendance at the picnic.

CEO's are now advised to disregard PEIRS Bulletin No. 27 of 1992 and they may now apply the provisions of the award clauses at their own discretion.

To ensure that non unionists are not discriminated against in this matter, before applying the provisions of the award, agencies must first ensure that picnic tickets are available for purchase by all eligible employees regardless of union membership.

Any enquiries regarding this matter should be directed to Bob Hull on telephone 228 3584.

KEN CRIPPS
Commissioner