Higher Education

Enterprise Bargaining

Freedom to Choose

By Sue Hammond
Women's Industrial Officer - CPSU-SPSF

During their time in Government at the Federal level and in some States, the conservative political parties have championed the cause of de-unionisation, non-union agreements and individual contracts. These, they argue offer workers more flexibility and choice. They argue that unions interfere in the workplace. Well if members were ever tempted by these fictional claims then a brief look at a union agreement negotiated by the CPSU-SPSF and a non-union agreement recently before the Industrial Commission will convince them of the benefits of union membership.

The Australian Industrial Commission recently refused to certify non-union agreement Bermkuks Pty. Ltd, Subway sandwich stores operating in Canberra, which was intended to replace the retail award.

The Commissioner rejected the agreement for a number of reasons, those being that the employer characterised the majority of employees as part-time and that for those employees the agreement failed to provide pro rata entitlements to paid leave or leave loading, didn't provide predictable hours, enabled employers to change rosters with as little as 24 hours notice, failed to provide a uniform allowance yet required employees to wear a uniform and allowed for a wider span of hours with no penalty rates on Saturdays, Sunday or public holiday. The Commissioner also found that under the agreement it was difficult to determine whether time worked was overtime. These type of working conditions are not uncommon in non-unionised workplaces.

Your union, the CPSU-SFSF recently concluded a union agreement with Sydney University that covers 2000 non-academic employees. The agreement delivers a $1000.00 sign on bonus on top of a pay rise of 19.4 percent over 42 months. The deal also delivers a maternity leave package of 14 weeks fully paid leave followed by 38 weeks at 60 percent. This is a pacesetter in the Australian workforce. The union negotiated agreement also allows women to opt to return to work instead and put the money designated for their leave toward career development. It gives women greater flexibility in balancing child bearing and their careers. It provides more pay for casual workers with an increase of the loading from 21.8 per cent to 25 percent and new provisions that allow regular casuals to convert to permanent employment. Your agreement and award has long covered the regulation of part-time and casual employment, leave loading and work rostering and overtime. Union agreements give workers predictably, higher wages and greater security than non-union or individual agreements.

While the Minister for Education, Brendan Nelson, appears to be unhappy about the outcome achieved by workers bargaining through their union, the workers are happy and as David Carey, Federal Secretary of the CPSU-SPSF, said

'We got want we wanted'.

Delegates, remind your fellow workers that the union provides dignity, strength and security!

You have the freedom to choose to be a union member!

© 2001 Community & Public Sector Union - State Public Services Federation (CPSU-SPSF) - National Office

http://www.cpsu-spsf.asn.au/latest_news/higher_ed/20040209_EBA.html
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005