Collective Bargaining

What we want

 A strong Agreement with strong job security for all staff, for full staff consultation and involvement in change decisions and processes, and improved pay and conditions for all staff, including reduced workloads and better general staff reclassification outcomes.  We know from our research and staff input that increased workload is the biggest issue facing staff in our University

This means that we want the removal of all impediments to staff and union consultation and rights on all key processes involving the termination of employees, such as redundancy, probation, misconduct etc.

We also want the return of conditions removed from the Agreement in the last round of bargaining as a result of the former Howard government’s interference in university industrial relations (namely the Higher EducationWorkplace Relations Requirements). The recent debacle over Travel conditions is an example of a policy that should be in the Agreement.We also will bargain hard for the return of conditions which provided protections for fixed term staff, that were also removed as a result of the HEWRRs. The removal of these protections has resulted in an explosion of short term insecure employment in the University sector, which is both bad for staff and bad for the University.

We will also bargain hard for a decent pay increase. CSU is not financially weak, has reserves which have not been badly damaged by the global recession compared to other universities, and has one of the highest staff-student ratios in the country. In this context a strong pay rise is needed to attract and retain quality staff.

WHAT PART CAN MEMBERS PLAY?

There are always opportunities to play an active role in the union, in advisory groups on specific issues like workloads and general staff reclassification. There is work to be done on union networks like the Women’s Caucus and the Indigenous Network. There are advisory groups on the many issues in our log of claims – such as on Carer’s leave, Long Service Leave, family/life work balance, workloads, general staff conditions etc. There are many events coming up that will need posters and flyer distribution, and ring-around phone callers to remind members and staff of upcoming meetings and events.

This semester will be a period of intense activity if we are to be successful in getting strong pay and conditions out of this round of bargaining. The Branch committee is strong and active and will do all it can, and to make the difference we need a whole-of-union effort. We need the combined force of our union efforts to change the way things are done at CSU. Every contribution is needed and welcome.

To find out how you can contribute contact Branch Organiser Kevin Poynter at the union office on 0401599017 or on csu@nteu.org.au

We will be conducting workplace visits throughout the university soon. Come along and play a part in getting a good, strong agreement!

 

For more information on collective bargaining negotiations at your Branch go to www.universitybargaining.com.au

Len Palmer

Branch President