Queen`s Wharf EBA Agreement: The Key Points Explained
The Queen`s Wharf development in Brisbane is the largest integrated resort and casino project to date in Australia. The project covers a vast area of the CBD, and its construction is expected to take several years. However, the Queen`s Wharf EBA (enterprise bargaining agreement) is a critical piece of the puzzle that outlines the working conditions and remuneration for those who will work on the project.
In this article, we will explain the key points of the Queen`s Wharf EBA agreement, its implications for workers, and the potential impact on the broader construction industry.
What is the Queen`s Wharf EBA Agreement?
The Queen`s Wharf EBA agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the employment conditions, rights, and entitlements for workers engaged on the Queen`s Wharf development. The agreement covers a range of areas, including wages, superannuation, overtime, hours of work, and leave entitlements.
Who is covered by the Queen`s Wharf EBA Agreement?
The agreement applies to all workers engaged on the Queen`s Wharf development, including labourers, tradespeople, engineers, and other professionals. The agreement also covers contractors and sub-contractors engaged by the project`s principal contractor, the Destination Brisbane Consortium.
Key Points of the Queen`s Wharf EBA Agreement
Wages: The agreement provides for a minimum hourly rate of pay of $28.50 for most workers on the project, including labourers, tradespeople, and plant operators. Certain workers, such as engineers and other professionals, may be paid a higher rate depending on their qualifications and experience.
Overtime: The agreement sets out rules for overtime, including when it applies and how much workers should be paid. Overtime rates range from time and a half for the first two hours to double time for all hours worked beyond 10 hours per day.
Hours of work: The EBA agreement provides for a standard workweek of 36 hours, with additional hours available at the discretion of the employer. The agreement also sets out rules for shift work, including the minimum number of hours for each shift.
Leave entitlements: Workers engaged on the Queen`s Wharf development are entitled to a range of leave entitlements, including annual leave, personal leave, and long service leave. The agreement also provides for paid bereavement leave and cultural and ceremonial leave for Indigenous workers.
Superannuation: The agreement requires the employer to pay superannuation contributions of at least 9.5% of an employee`s ordinary time earnings into a nominated super fund.
Implications for Workers
The Queen`s Wharf EBA agreement provides a firm foundation for workers engaged on the project. With clear rules and entitlements in place, workers can have greater certainty around their wages, hours of work, and leave entitlements. The agreement also provides a mechanism for resolving disputes and grievances, which can help to avoid protracted industrial action and delays on the project.
Potential Impact on the Construction Industry
The Queen`s Wharf EBA agreement could have a broader impact on the construction industry in Australia. As a high-profile project, the Queen`s Wharf development is likely to set a benchmark for wages, conditions, and entitlements for future large-scale developments. If the agreement proves successful, it could become a template for other projects, helping to raise standards across the industry.
In conclusion, the Queen`s Wharf EBA agreement is a critical document that sets out the employment conditions, rights, and entitlements for workers engaged on the Queen`s Wharf development. With clear rules in place, workers can have greater certainty around their wages, hours of work, and leave entitlements, while the agreement could set a benchmark for industry standards in the future.