More than 2000 staff at 43 CSIRO sites this week will step up industrial action to resolve a dispute over pay and conditions at Australia’s premier science and research organisation.
Negotiations between the CSIRO Staff Association/CPSU and the CSIRO Executive have failed to resolve the issues of pay and consultation provisions.
CSIRO Staff Association/CPSU Secretary Sam Popovski said staff have escalated stop work action this week with 43 CSIRO sites across the country now involved. “The CSIRO Executive’s current offer devalues staff, both in terms of pay and consultation,” Mr Popovski said.
“On pay, management’s offer of 3% per annum over the next three to four years does not cover rising living costs and means that CSIRO will struggle to retain and attract world class staff.
"If the Government wants scientists in the CSIRO to provide the best advice on climate change and continue to deliver solutions for the community on energy and water, then it has to do better.”
Mr Popovski also said that management’s position on consultation was disrespectful to staff.
“It is unacceptable that management want to deny staff the opportunity to input into major organisational changes before they are made,” Mr Popovski said.
“Their increasingly top-down, bureaucratic management approach has led to poor decisions being made on science and research directions, without sufficient input from staff.”
Two-hour morning stoppages of work are scheduled at 43 CSIRO sites this week, beginning Tuesday22 March.
Newcastle (contact Steve McEvoy 0402062595), Parkes;
VIC-Merbein.
Friday 25 March
Melbourne-Highett.
Comments(11)
Posted by:Keran Naidoo - 24 Mar 2011, 3:50pm It is my estimation that Australia can least lose its scientists. An overseas visitor recently told me that he couldn't understand why with so many smart people, was Australia so lack lustre....
Posted by:Jonathan Sherlock - 24 Mar 2011, 2:51pm Well done on standing up for respect. Because it's not just about the pay - it is about scientists (and all other workers!) having a real say over their working lives.
Good luck in the campaign, we are all behind you.
Posted by:optimistic - 24 Mar 2011, 2:02pm Congratulations on getting this far. Keep strong and united and you will do wonders. We, in other agencies are watching and support you. If all agenices fight like you, the strength in our numbers will be a real force to be reckoned with.
Posted by:leanne - 24 Mar 2011, 1:10pm so if we dont have Australian scientists then they will import ones from o/seas which in turn means more money to payout and be taking overseas which supports ther country and people not ours and AU families on familys on welfare.We are not a backward country we have brains and wish to look after our our country in medical and scientific fields..when will they stop and think of long term affects...Time to rise up Australia as our politicans are our representatives and time for them to be accountable.We are behind you and time for all public service to unite and help each other...People power nothing beats it..
Posted by:Meggan - 24 Mar 2011, 11:59am good science is a conerstone of our prosperity into the future... Profoundly grateful that you are not taking this lying down
It is my estimation that Australia can least lose its scientists. An overseas visitor recently told me that he couldn't understand why with so many smart people, was Australia so lack lustre....
Well done on standing up for respect. Because it's not just about the pay - it is about scientists (and all other workers!) having a real say over their working lives. Good luck in the campaign, we are all behind you.
Congratulations on getting this far. Keep strong and united and you will do wonders. We, in other agencies are watching and support you. If all agenices fight like you, the strength in our numbers will be a real force to be reckoned with.
so if we dont have Australian scientists then they will import ones from o/seas which in turn means more money to payout and be taking overseas which supports ther country and people not ours and AU families on familys on welfare.We are not a backward country we have brains and wish to look after our our country in medical and scientific fields..when will they stop and think of long term affects...Time to rise up Australia as our politicans are our representatives and time for them to be accountable.We are behind you and time for all public service to unite and help each other...People power nothing beats it..
good science is a conerstone of our prosperity into the future... Profoundly grateful that you are not taking this lying down