Higher Education

Enterprise Bargaining

Another Pay vote for University Staff

Newcastle University Enterprise agreement approved

By Andrew Holland
Senior Industrial Officer

University of Newcastle agreement delivers strong work/life balance for General Staff and a 18% pay rise.

General staff at the University of Newcastle have accepted a new enterprise agreement negotiated by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) and the Liquor Hospitality & Miscellaneous Union (LHMU).

The agreement delivers a 16.8% (18% cumulative) pay increase by 1 October 2006, 26 weeks paid parental leave and a range of work/life initiatives.

Family Friendly Focus

Mr Holland also said: "The agreement has been negotiated in good faith largely unencumbered by the Federal Government's unnecessary, unwarranted and unsuccessful attempt to intervene in the bargaining process"

The main points

· Two weeks paid partner leave and paid parental leave for fixed term employees

· Part-time work on return to work following parental leave

· Improved flexible work arrangements including part time and fractional work, job sharing and flex time

· 25 days per year (with 15 cumulative per year) paid Personal leave

· Enhanced managing change, redeployment and consultation provisions

· Reasonable hours provisions including limits on workloads, working hours and the right to refuse overtime

· Restrictions on outsourcing

· Conversion of long-term casual employees to ongoing employment after 12 months and an increase in the casual loading to 23%

· A comprehensive Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander employment clause.

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

http://www.cpsu-spsf.asn.au/latest_news/higher_ed/20041223_newcastle.html
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2005