John Heine and Son Limited v Pickard [1921] HCA 47

John Heine and Son Limited v Pickard [1921] HCA 47

Where the relevant State law prescribes a minimum wage for an employee lower than the rate mandated by the Federal award, the employee is entitled to not less than the minimum rate prescribed by the Federal award. This follows the ordinary and clear language of the award.

Parties
Appellant: John Heine & Son Limited; Respondent: Pickard; Employee: Arthur Stephen McNamara
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
17 November 1921
Procedural Posture
Appeal / High Court Hearing of Stated Special Case on Appeal From Stipendiary Magistrate
Outcome
Appeal dismissed
Legal Topics
Award Interpretation, Minimum Wage, Apprenticeship, Conflict of Federal and State Laws

Case Brief

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Parties

John Heine & Son Limited

Appellant

Pickard

Respondent

Arthur Stephen McNamara

Employee

Procedural Posture

Appeal / High Court Hearing of Stated Special Case on Appeal From Stipendiary Magistrate

  1. 1 Whether an apprentice is entitled to the minimum wage prescribed by the federal award or the lesser minimum wage fixed by the relevant State law when both apply.

Ratio Decidendi

Where the relevant State law prescribes a minimum wage for an employee lower than the rate mandated by the Federal award, the employee is entitled to not less than the minimum rate prescribed by the Federal award. This follows the ordinary and clear language of the award.

Court Disposition

Appeal dismissed

Orders

  • Conviction of company and fine of one shilling with costs affirmed
  • Company ordered to pay McNamara £17 1s. 8d., being the difference between wages paid and those should have been paid, with costs