The negotiation of a new NTPS agreement this year is an opportunity for the NT Government to demonstrate its leadership and commitment to delivering quality public services for all Territorians.
The NTPS is already struggling to attract and retain the quality staff it
needs to provide quality services. As the NT economy and population continue to
expand, the demand for quality public service and efficient infrastructure
continues to grow.
The way the Government approaches these negotiations will determine whether
they are fair dinkum about demonstrating real leadership. If the NT Government
fails to deliver a modern and positive agreement - with the kind of pay and
conditions which will attract and retain talented staff – they will have failed
not only NTPS staff but the whole community who rely on these services. It
is clear that Territorians want a professional, responsive and vibrant public
service. A decent NTPS agreement is a key step in delivering this.
What has happened so far?
In August 2009 the Government announced its intention to impose an arbitrary
2.5% pay cap on the NTPS. In a cynical attempt to generate community support for
this cap on NTPS wage outcomes, the Government imposed a similar pay cap on
themselves.
It is the view of the combined unions that this was just a cheap, political
stunt which has done nothing to address the serious and complex issues facing
the Territory. The unions can also confirm that the 2.5% pay offer has been
widely rejected by most public servants.
Union principles for a new agreement
The principles we promote are:
secure jobs and a skilled workforce who deliver quality public services
protection of current conditions
a fair balance between work commitments and family and community life
a workplace where employees get a genuine say about decisions that
affect them
decent pay rises that keep pace with the cost of living and recognises
the contribution of staff
fair and equitable performance management arrangements
the right to join and be represented by a union, and access to effective
conciliation and arbitration.
Working together
The EA 2010 campaign is a joint union effort. The following unions are
working together to win a fair and forward-looking agreement that rewards hard
work and respects workplace rights. They are: CPSU, LHMU, AMWU, APESMA, TWU, and
ETU.
What’s next?
The unions are consulting with members about what improvements you want in
the next EA. In March 2010, a combined union ‘log of claim’s will be presented
to the Government. This is a list of working conditions you want improved. The
first negotiation meeting will occur in early April 2010.
Go to the CPSU's online bargaining surveys here:
NTPS |
PowerWater
What you can do
If you are already a union member, we appreciate your support. You can help
by talking about your unions’ EA campaign with your workmates and asking your
colleague to join a union. Every member makes a successful outcome more likely.
If you are not yet a member, please join
today and help win some real improvements within the NTPS. The more members
of your union, the better agreement you will get.
