This publication is a summary of the Metal Trades (General) Award. 

On 24 June 2021 the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission (WAIRC) issued the 2021 State Wage Case decision. The WAIRC decision grants a 2.5% per week increase in WA award rates of pay from the first pay period on or after 1 July 2021.

To view pay rates for previous years visit the Previous WA award summaries - pre 1 July 2021 page.

This WA award summary applies to businesses in the state industrial relations system. It covers businesses which operate as:

• sole traders (e.g. Jane Smith trading as Jane’s Boat Repairers )
• unincorporated partnerships (e.g. Jane and Bob Smith trading as Jane’s Boat Repairers)
• unincorporated trust arrangements (e.g. Jane and Bob Smith as trustees for the Smith Family Trust, trading as Jane’s Boat Repairers)
• incorporated associations and other non-profit bodies that are not trading or financial corporations

This summary does not cover businesses and organisations in the national industrial relations system which operate as: 

• Pty Ltd businesses that are trading or financial corporations (e.g. Smith Pty Ltd trading as Jane’s Boat Repairers)
• incorporated associations and other not-for-profit bodies that are trading or financial corporations

If the business or organisation is in the national system visit the Fair Work Ombudsman website www.fairwork.gov.au