Well not quite, but unions and management did meet last week to progress the agreement to as near as done. We are now seeking your direction on whether the agreement is acceptable or not. We are arranging meetings and will advise times and locations shortly.
So what was the outcome?
A 3% pay rise payable from7 days after the approval by Fair Work Australia
4% increase to all allowances
100% increase to financial assistance for TAFE students, now up to $1000 for all approved students
New union delegate and representational rights for employees expressed in the agreement
More enforceable merit advancement procedures (due to more detail being in the agreement)
No reduction to existing conditions
An expiry date of 30 June 2011, which will bring the duration in line with Government policy.
What happened about merit advancement?
Management had proposed making application for merit advancement dependent on being rated as “superior”.
A compromise was reached that will allow people the opportunity to apply for merit advancement if you are rated “superior” but also includes the potential to apply for merit advancement if you are rated “fully effective”.
Where to from here?
We will be asking all union members to vote whether or not we have reached ‘in principle’ agreement. A draft copy of the enterprise agreement will be available on the NMI intranet soon, please take the time to have a read.
If members endorse the ‘in principle’ agreement, we will advise management.
The agreement then goes the DEEWR and DIISR for assessment against Government bargaining policy, and if endorsed, then finally to the Minister for his approval prior to the formal all staff vote.
Bargaining is changing and your help is crucial
Government has mandated that all future enterprise agreements expire on 30 June 2011. Unions across the APS will be bargaining for service wide pay, conditions and a fair method of wage supplementation to fund agencies for the quality work you do.
To help secure fair and equitable service wide pay and conditions register your interest to help tosue.kealy@cpsu.org.au
