Items medium note

This series consists of files which include all papers documenting the stages and relating to disputes:1. Notification of the dispute; 2. Imposition of awards;3. Transcripts of proceedings;4. Exhibits used as evidence in cases. Files are raised upon notification of a dispute or an award, for applications to vary awards and for appeals against decisions. The award file becomes the central file. Each of the other types of registered files carries both their own exclusive registration and that of the central file. All related files are ultimately attached to the central file when the award is superseded.

The physical format of each file consists of a soft cover agency file folder with a green strip to identify it was a "C" prefix file. Pertinent details such as the subject matter of the file, the registration of the central file and the registration of the file in hand, the award and its date and related action are included on the file covers. A content list for each file is pasted onto the reverse side of the front cover. When the award is superseded and all related files amalgamated, hard cardboard covers with green strips are placed on the top and bottom of the pile and the whole tied together. The file then becomes known by the "C" registration number originally given to the award file.

Disputes cases copy files are originally made up for the use by the Commissioners. When cases are complete the files are returned (theoretically) to the Registry where material which is duplicated on the registered file is destroyed while the material created by the Commissioners during the hearings is added to the award file.Although transcripts and exhibits are intended to also become a part of the award file, in some cases this is impractical because of the sheer size or bulk or some items. Therefore, they are kept separately in CRS B1959 and B2097 respectively, the transcripts being bound. Reference to the related "C" file is made on the spine of each volume.Legal documents and correspondence related to all activities affected by, or affecting an award that are to be found on the files include: * copies of awards, * applications to vary; * telegrams;* notices of listing; * summonses to witness;* affidavits of service; * logs of claims; * notices fixing times and placed for the hearing of industrial questions, transcripts, orders statements of case, settlements of orders and exhibits.

This series is recorded and controlled by the Industrial Registrar as distinct from the Deputy Industrial Registrar, Victoria. At the beginning of each year "C" number blocks are allocated to each state. All files are registered and physically made up centrally, despatched for the relevant State Branch to work on during the hearing of a case, and then returned upon its completion. The actual block of numbers allocated to each state differs from year to year according to the anticipated needs of each state for the ensuing period.

As of 1 January 1988 each state was allocated a specific sequence of numbers, based upon the postcode for that state. Thus Victoria was allocated the range 30000 - 39999; New South Wales was allocated the range 20000 - 29999. Other aspects of the single number system remained constant. It should be noted that consignment lists held by the National Archives do not contain the "C" prefix. During transfer of further records to National Archives in 2011 several instances of two files being controlled by the same control symbol were noted. * C1975/3527 Notification of industrial dispute - Australian Workers' Union v Amoco Pty Ltd and others; * C1975/3527 Finding of dispute - Australian Workers' Union v Amoco Pty Ltd. To enable distinct identification ‘part 1’ was added to the control symbol of the ‘notification’ file and ‘part 2’ added to the ‘findings’ file.

At some stage in 2011 the agency started creating B206 item control symbols in the format of C(year)/(file number). Up until this time the system of arrangement and control had been in the format C(file number)/(year). Transfers of B206 from 2011 onwards will be in the C(year)/(file number) format. The agency was unable to provide a reason for this change so to avoid confusion the records should be requested for viewing in the format by which they were transferred to National Archives of Australia. The control symbol which is recorded on RecordSearch and/or the packing lists is the correct format by which items from B206 should be requested.