Collective Bargaining
Collective Bargaining 2008 - Round Five (CB5)
NTEU representatives will begin negotiating a new Enterprise Agreement for Monash University Staff to replace the current Agreement (Academic& General Staff)which has expired. This section provides information about our claims,the University's offers and the progress of negotiations.
Collective bargaining in 2008, what does it mean for you?
Under the previous federal Howard government’s WorkChoices and HEWRRs,collective bargaining in universities was extremely difficult.University funding was tied to industrial outcomes that reduced the entitlements of staff and our unions.
The election of an ALP Government provides an opportunity for bargaining to occur in a different political and industrial environment though the continued Senate majority by the now opposition appears likely to delay this,which will complicate the bargaining process for Monash University. The Higher Education Workplace Relations Requirements (HEWRRs) has (in effect) been dismantled, some elements of WorkChoices have been wound back and Commonwealth funding levels to Universities have some chance of being improved. The unprecedented interference in the management of Universities experienced during the Howard era is unlikely to be a hallmark of the new federal government. These external changes mean NTEU members can be optimistic about a reclaiming and restoring conditions through local workplace negotiations.
Preparing for bargaining
We are currently involved in the development of a 'log of claims' for collective bargaining. NTEU negotiators will be making claims for improvements in working conditions at all Australian universities.These claims will reflect national priorities as well as issues identified as local priorities by Monash members. However, your Union is only as strong as the members in the workplace.
So what you can do to help get the best outcome from Collective bargaining at your institution?
- Recruit your Colleagues
Collective bargaining is influenced by the quality of the arguments put forward by each side. But strength of numbers is just as important. The more staff that a rein the Union, the stronger the voice of the Union is as the representative of staff. More members = a stronger voice at the bargaining table.
Collective bargaining also takes time and resources. Negotiators usually have another full time job at the University. Research into the finances of the University requires expertise. Simply holding a meeting of members on campus at lunch time incurs costs. The financial resources of the NTEU come from membership dues. More members = more resources.
Now is the perfect time for your colleagues to join NTEU, and the most potent invitation to join comes from a co-worker. - Find out about the bargaining process
Contact your local Branch (ph. 9905 4110 or email nteu@monash.edu.au )to have a union representative explain how Collective bargaining works.Your Branch can arrange a department/faculty information session to give a useful overview of everything to do with bargaining, from what we include in our demands to when and why we consider taking industrial action. - Make your opinion count
NTEU is seeking members’ views on a range of matters. Already a national online survey has been conducted and the results will be analysed and incorporated into the National Bargaining Strategy. Local consultations will be held via campus meetings and smaller workplace meetings, so that members can inform NTEU of the issues that are important to you. As bargaining progresses, the union relies on continual briefing and feedback from members about the best way to win better conditions at your Institution. Click here to find out about locations and times of meetings or contact the branch on - ph. 9905 4110 or email nteu@monash.edu.au - Elect a Union contact
The collective bargaining process requires communication between members and negotiators for ongoing advice and strategy feedback. A network of NTEU Workplace Bargaining Contacts will be set up early in the process.Talk to your colleagues about ensuring a representative in your area has been identified and contact your local Branch if you are interested in assisting with this network. If you are interested in becoming a contact, email nteu@monash.edu.au - Stay informed
NTEU priorities keeping members informed throughout the collective bargaining process.Your local Branch will produce regular bulletins in the lead up to and during negotiations with Management. National and State bulletins will also give updates on what is happening in other Institutions. NTEU’s national and state journals, The Advocate and Nexus will report regularly on progress made in bargaining. The most immediate source of information about local negotiations will be on your Branch website - Bookmark this page - http://www.nteu.org.au/bd/monash