ASSA calls on Fair Work Commission to freeze Fitness Industry Award

Mindful of the impact of the Coronavirus on swim schools, the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA) has called for the Fair Work Commission to freeze wages and not apply an increase to the Fitness Industry Award in the 2020/21 financial year.

ASSA's Special Consultant on Workplace Relations, Michael Taylor, last week forwarded the Association’s submission to the Commission on its regarding its Annual Review of Wages.

ASSA presented a lengthy and what it called "well-reasoned" case for there to be a ‘wage freeze’ to the award in the coming financial year.

Commenting on the submission, ASSA Chief Executive, Ross Gage stated “the Association argued that due to the effects of COVID-19, primarily, an increase was not sustainable in the Industry and not in the community’s best interests”.

ASSA’s recent survey of Swim Schools on the economic impact of COVID-19 to their businesses was heavily referenced.

In reporting the Submission to ASSA Member Swim Schools, Gage noted that the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) had submitted that there be a 4% increase across all Awards - their rationale being that not only do the workers need and desire it, their additional spending power will stimulate the economy.