Modern award wages

Modern awards commenced operation from 1 January 2010. All businesses now observe the pay and conditions contained within the modern awards; however, some apprentices will continue to be covered by the state system and not the modern award.

Wage circulars

Master Builders produces wage circulars for its members, summarising important information from a range of modern awards.

Wage circulars for modern awards effective 1 July 2011:

Download previous Master Builders wage circulars (effective to 30 June 2011).

View full versions of modern awards

View full versions of building and construction industry modern awards:

Can't see the links to full versions of the building and construction industry modern awards? Please log in using your member details to access this information.

Modern Award Manual

Master Builders Modern Award Manual (Second Edition) provides employers with comprehensive guidance about the main modern award for the construction sector – the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010.

The manual provides:

Links to key decisions by Fair Work Australia
Practical examples
Essential historical and industrial relations perspectives.

Updated annually from 1 July for any amendments by Fair Work Australia (including its minimum wage decisions), the manual is the must-have publication for all employers trying to navigate this complex modern award.

Preview an extract from the manual or purchase the manual from the eShop.

Employer obligations

Modern awards may contain new minimum terms and conditions, which will apply to the employer’s industry and to their employees. Employers should check their obligations under applicable modern awards to ensure compliance.

Awards in many industries may contain revised terms about:

Minimum wages, including piecework rates
Types of employment (e.g. full-time, part-time, casual)
Overtime and penalty rates
Work arrangements (rosters, variations to working hours, flexible working arrangements)
Annual wage or salary arrangements
Allowances (e.g. travel and meal allowances)
Leave, leave loading and taking leave
Superannuation
Procedures for consultation, representation and dispute settlement
An industry-specific redundancy scheme, as is the case for most building and construction employers and employees.

Modern award flexibility

Modern awards also contain a flexibility term, which means employers and employees will be able to negotiate changes to meet their individual needs relating to issues specified in the clause, providing that: