The Fair Work Commission promised to not muck around on COVID 19 amendments to enterprise agreements.

The FWC has approved variations to the University of Tasmania’s enterprise agreement. Yes, the changes 90 per cent of staff who turned out voted to accept last week (CMM, Friday).

The major changes are the scheduled 2 per cent pay rise is off and pay rises accompanying promotions are deferred. In return the university commits to no pay cuts, and consultation on changing staff numbers, plus other protections.

The variations run until June 30 next year, unless management and unions agree to change the end-date, but they can apply no later than December 31 2021.

Back in April FWC president, Justice Ross said the commission would “expedite” agreed variations to agreements to deal with COVID-19. U Tas is expedited.