The CPSU is disappointed to report an early failure by SSAT senior management to adhere to the principles of good faith bargaining. At yesterday’s negotiation meeting the SSAT formally refused the CPSU’s request for relevant information to be shared.
The union had previously asked for various pieces of data in line with the
provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009. This information is necessary in order to
allow the union to understand the environment we are bargaining in, as well as
to assist us in tailoring our bargaining position appropriately.
While senior management’s cavalier refusal to facilitate this basic and
entirely appropriate request is not necessarily surprising, it is absolutely
unacceptable. This matter is currently being considered by the CPSU legal team,
and we will advise our next steps in the near future.
This unfortunate approach to bargaining serves to further highlight broader
issues around consultation in the SSAT, and only strengthens the CPSU’s resolve
to improve the consultative mechanisms in your Agreement.
A moveable feast?
Initial discussions with the SSAT negotiators gave the CPSU the impression
that the tribunal’s bargaining position essentially amounted to adopting the
guidelines set out for Government agencies by the Australian Public Service
Commission (APSC). However, the union left yesterday’s meeting with the view
that senior management are considering unspecified changes to your current
conditions.
The lack of clarity emerging is of concern, and the CPSU will be seeking to
gain some certainty about the SSAT’s approach when we reconvene negotiations.
Next meeting
Given the short week created by the Easter long weekend the parties have
agreed to next meet on Wednesday 18 April.
Who’s representing you?
The CPSU has an extensive and experienced network of specialist negotiators,
campaigners, legal experts and organisers. If you are already a CPSU member, you
automatically get CPSU representation in Enterprise Agreement negotiations. If
you are not yet a member, now is the time to join to be represented by the CPSU.
