The Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission has updated the state’s Manufacturing, Maintenance and Metal Trades Award, with changes taking effect from 18 February 2026.
In a news release, the government said the revisions aim to simplify compliance and make the award clearer for employers and employees in the manufacturing and metal trades sectors.
The award, which originally came into effect on 23 October 2025, replaced six previous WA awards covering metal, engineering, and fabrication industries.
The February 2026 updates modify miscellaneous provisions, including allowance arrangements, junior employee conditions, and redundancy provisions, to align with state employment laws and the national Fair Work Act where applicable.
The WA Government said the changes ensure employment conditions are consistent with the Minimum Conditions of Employment Act 1993 and remove outdated provisions for junior employees.
The updates also modernise allowances so that most now self-update automatically.
The award covers a wide range of manufacturing and metal trades occupations, incorporating employees previously covered under awards such as the Sheet Metal Workers Award, Vehicle Builders Award, and Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Industry Award.
According to the announcement, it does not apply to employees in the electrical contracting industry or to employers and employees in the national industrial relations system.
The government noted that the revisions are designed to make the award easier to understand and implement across WA’s manufacturing and metal trades businesses.
Updated award summaries and supporting documents are available on the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission website for employers and employees seeking details on pay rates and entitlements.
