IP Australia - How many of you want good conditions?

While progress remains slow, one consistent theme was management casting doubt on how many of you want the improvements to conditions proposed in our bargaining claim! While this is a regrettable management tactic, it is not unexpected given that less than half of IP staff are supporting our claim through union membership. It’s your agreement… it’s your choice. Are you prepared to give up conditions or will you support your union’s claim for a fair pay rise and good conditions?

What was discussed?

• Management moved to limit the scope of what would be enforceable under the dispute settlement provisions
• Management wants to know what staff are prepared to give up in return for a pay rise and improved conditions
• IP does not think it is necessary to state your conditions as an entitlement
• Management is prepared to consider flexibility clauses to allow for pay and conditions improvements under the collective agreement
• Management will probably agree to a 15.4% guaranteed employee super contribution regardless of choice of fund
• Management will consider a proposal for overtime to be payable after completion of 7:21 hours without the need to work after 7pm
• IP considering claim for business travel for flights longer than 3 hours and leave in lieu of public holiday if travelling that day
• Both parties to seek clarification on Plant Breeder Rights Examiners and Field Work arrangements
• IP not inclined to agree that all jobs be subject to merit selection requiring as a minimum expressions of interest from IP Aust employees
• IP not inclined to agree to 8 weeks purchased leave.

Are your conditions important to you?

A consistent theme was management asking ‘how many employees want that condition?’ This emphasises the point of the importance of staff support for CPSU’s claim for good pay and conditions. Do you think management will listen if they think only a small number of you care about your pay and conditions?

Majority union works

Campaigns supported by a majority of staff provide the best chance to be able to push our claim. Don’t miss your chance to help protect and improve your pay and conditions. Join up and get active in your union today.

What happens now?

CPSU and management will meet again on 11 February. It is expected the new government bargaining policy will be available then thus allowing more productive negotiations. In the meantime, your union will be seeking your feedback on these and other issues. Keep an eye out and make sure you participate in the next union activity which may take the form of workplace meetings and/or a mini-survey to focus on some key issues.

What do I have to do?

• Participate in the next union activity (details tbc)
• Join your union at www.cpsu.org.au or call 1300 137 636
• Talk to your co-workers about your next agreement and the importance of supporting their union.