Undergraduate qualifications review

On 13 June 2019, a Full Bench in [2019] FWCFB 3949 issued a decision concerning an application by the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia (APESMA) for increases to the minimum rates of pay for pharmacists in the Pharmacy Industry Award 2010 on work value grounds.

The Full Bench found that there was a lack of alignment in pay rates and relativities as between pharmacists (who require a four-year undergraduate degree) under the Pharmacy Industry Award 2010 and those for classifications requiring equivalent qualifications under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award 2010, as well as a lack of consistent relationship with the Australian Qualifications Framework.

The Full Bench expressed the view that this issue may affect other awards which contain classifications applying to employees who are required to hold undergraduate qualifications and referred this matter to the President for consideration.

On 5 November 2022 the President issued a Statement indicating the Commission does not intend to take any further steps in this matter on its own motion. The statement expressed the Commission is available to facilitate discussions between parties should they choose to pursue a work value claim to vary modern awards.