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Western Health Alliance Limited Enterprise Agreement 2017: Understanding the Key Provisions
The Western Health Alliance Limited (WHA) is a leading healthcare provider in Western Australia that offers a range of services to its communities and patients. In 2017, WHA entered into an enterprise agreement (EA) with its employees that set out the terms and conditions of employment for a period of four years. This article provides an overview of the key provisions of the WHA enterprise agreement 2017 and their implications for both the employer and employees.
Coverage and Duration
The WHA enterprise agreement covers employees who work in various roles across the organization, including medical, administrative, and support staff. The EA applies to all employees who were employed by WHA at the time of its approval in March 2017 and those who were subsequently hired during its term. The agreement is valid until March 2021, after which a new EA will need to be negotiated between the parties.
Wages and Allowances
One of the most significant aspects of the WHA enterprise agreement is the provisions for wages and allowances. Under the agreement, employees receive a minimum wage increase of 2% per annum, which is in line with the average wage increase across the healthcare industry. Additionally, employees are entitled to various allowances, including shift penalties, weekend and public holiday rates, and travel allowances, depending on their role and duties.
Working Hours and Shifts
The WHA enterprise agreement outlines the standard working hours for full-time employees, which is 38 hours per week. However, employees working in certain roles, such as medical practitioners and nursing staff, may be required to work longer hours or irregular shifts to ensure continuity of care for patients. The agreement provides for penalty rates for employees working outside of normal hours or on weekends or public holidays.
Leave Entitlements
The WHA enterprise agreement provides for various types of leave entitlements for employees, including annual leave, personal leave, and parental leave. Full-time employees are entitled to four weeks of paid annual leave per year, and part-time employees receive a pro-rata amount based on their hours of work. Personal leave includes sick leave, carer`s leave, and compassionate leave, which are all paid at the employee`s base rate of pay. The EA also provides for paid parental leave, including maternity leave, paternity leave, and adoption leave, subject to certain eligibility requirements.
Summary
The WHA enterprise agreement 2017 is an essential document that sets out the terms and conditions of employment for employees of WHA. The agreement covers various aspects of employment, including wages, working hours, leave entitlements, and more. By understanding the key provisions of the EA, both employers and employees can ensure that they are complying with their obligations and rights under the agreement.