Your union is now asking all members to vote to endorse the proposed Questacon Enterprise Agreement.
This vote will determine whether we recommend the deal in the staff vote scheduled for 27-29 April. Following significant gains these past few weeks on key settlement issues, your bargaining team recommends members vote YES. You can vote online here.
Big gains on key settlement issues
Subject to satisfactory performance, transition from junior to adult rates to be effective from 1 July 2010 (approximately 5 weeks after commencement).
Genuine, enforceable consultation provisions that give you an opportunity to influence decisions not only in appearance, but in fact.
Inclusion of allowances for superannuation purposes.
Recognition that the preferred method of employment is as an ongoing employee.
Management has moved, but they did not agree to everything
Questacon did not agree to protect women’s super when on unpaid maternity leave.
And there was no further movement on matters we’ve pushed throughout negotiations including addressing the financial disadvantage of Questacon staff, joint classification review, allowances for clothing or footwear, improved travel allowances (although we’re told a review is soon to be completed), and maintenance of temporary assignment of duties and eyesight subsidy entitlements.
Far from the model agreement, but a chance to lock in significant gains
Big win for junior rate employees – adult rates based on satisfactory performance. Transitioning off junior rates means hourly wages as low as $11.70 will go up to $19.50!
A say in your workplace - Genuine, enforceable consultation provisions
Better income in retirement - 15.4% superannuation regardless of choice of fund
Improved allowances - Healthy lifestyle reimbursement of up to $150
Improved support for parents – paid adoption leave up to 14 weeks, paid supporting leave up to 2 weeks (from personal leave), vacation child care subsidy increased to $22 per child per day and provision of car park for women in their third trimester
Early commencement to provide for maximum possible pay rise under Government policy. If we make the deal now the pay offer will be 3.4%.
What happens next?
Union vote seeking your endorsement to recommend the deal now open here.
Ministerial approval of the draft EA – estimated week 12 April
Access period for staff consideration – estimated week 19 April
All staff ballot on the proposed EA – estimated week 26 April
(if majority of eligible votes are in favour) Fair Work Australia approval – estimated by 12 May
EA estimated to commence from 19 May.
Not yet a member?
The growing support and involvement of your colleagues has helped deliver a better result for Questacon employees. By being union members you help provide the power and resources we need to continue work to address unfair gaps in APS pay, conditions and classifications after 30 June 2011. Membership fees are tax-deductible and tiered to salary so the less you earn, the less you pay i.e. casuals earning less than $10,000 can join for $3.90 a fortnight. Technical and trades employees (Fyshwick workshop) are encouraged to join the AMWU.
