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NTEU advice on Position Classification for Professional Staff
UNSW NTEU Branch recently held a seminar on position classification for Professional Staff. Michael Thomson, University of Sydney Branch President and General Staff member explained the history of the classification system, how it works and staff rights and entitlements at UNSW.
UNSW Branch President Sarah Gregson said that staff who apply for reclassification with the assistance of the union have a much greater chance of success.
The NTEU believes that all professional staff deserve the right classification for the job they do. Often staff are classified unfairly, resulting in lower salaries. If you are an NTEU member, the union can provide you with advice and assistance in preparing your application.
Please find below some information that may help you in preparing an application for a position reclassification:
Step 1:
Preparation. Before requesting a reclassification, go through your current position and note down the differences and responsibilities of the position and what you are required to do regularly, this should be done over a period of time (for example, several weeks) to make sure you encompass all the different aspect of the work you do.
It’s important to remember that reclassification applies to the type of work you do, your duties and responsibilities, not your workload. The more information you can provide during the preparation phase to support your case, the stronger your chances are of winning a reclassification.
*Compare your position description and your notes to the UNSW Classification Descriptors, Schedule 9 (Page 69) of the UNSW Professional Staff Enterprise Agreement. This is the most important part of developing your case as the the position descriptors in the Enterprise Agreement are the key to determining your classification level.
A request for reclassification is usually undertaken because the requirements of the position may have changed, and might involve performing duties and/or responsibilities at a higher level than your current position description.
Step 2:
Request a reclassification.Under clause 21.2 of the Enterprise Agreement (page 23) you can apply to Human Resources for a re-evaluation of your position. You should also speak to your supervisor - staff members who have the support of their supervisor usually have a stronger chance of winning a reclassification.
Step 3:
Your request for reclassification with be reviewed by Human Resources. The outcome of the review will only result in your position being reclassified to a higher level or no change to your current position.
In order to have reasonable success of reclassification, it is best to prepare and seek advice from the union. Contact the Branch Office on 9835 2493 or email nteu@unsw.edu.au
Branch Contacts
Branch Office
Rm 1211 Mathews Building Kensington Campus
University of NSW
Phone: 02 9385 2479
Fax: 02 9385 2570
unsw@nteu.org.au
http://www.nteu.org.au/unsw
Sarah Gregson
Branch President
s.gregson@unsw.edu.au
Kiraz Janicke
Branch Organiser
kjanicke@nteu.org.au
