A good start, but work to do in Australian Human Rights Commission
28 October 2011, 12:42pm
AHRC management and your bargaining team have so far been able to agree on many parts of the agreement that will cover your workplace for the next three years.
Before bargaining started, AHRC members were asked what is most important to them in their next agreement. From that feedback, the CPSU knows there are some areas where management can do better. They include:
Pay – Our claim is for 4 + 4 & 5%. Management has advised they are not willing to move outside of the Government’s Bargaining Framework maximum of 9% over the three years.
Conditions – Management has committed to maintain all current conditions, except where those conditions are outside the Government Guidelines. The CPSU believes there is still scope to improve some of those conditions.
Flexible working hours – The APSC has advised the CPSU that any standing agreement for Executive Level staff may stay in place. It is the view of the Commission that EL flex stands outside the Government Guidelines. This matter is still under discussion. Management have agreed to strengthen the application of flex entitlements across teams and look at ways to allow more scope for staff to manage their hours.
Maternity leave – Our claim is for 26 weeks. Management has advised they will maintain the current 18 weeks.
Personal leave – Our claim is for 18 days per annum. Management wants to maintain current arrangement of 15 days upon appointment and 15 days accruable per annum.
Return from parental leave – Our claim is for employees to have the opportunity to return to work two days per week. Management wants to maintain the current agreement of two days transition for the first six months, then moving to a minimum of three days.
Travel arrangements – The CPSU is currently drafting a TOIL arrangement for management’s consideration.
What happens next?
Management has responded to our claim with a draft agreement outlining any significant changes. You will be given an opportunity to view and vote on any changes before they are agreed to. Before that the bargaining team will meet with management on Wednesday, 2 November so provide feedback to a member of the team ahead of the meeting.
How can I help get a better agreement?
If you’re not a member yet, join today. The more members there are in AHRC the stronger the message to management that you’re serious about decent pay and conditions. You can join online here or call the CPSU Member Service Centre on 1300 137 636.
