New bargaining rules and new opportunities for DHA staff
18 June 2008, 4:00pm
The new bargaining framework creates more opportunities for DHA staff
Earlier this year the new government released new bargaining rules for the APS, which means there is a new framework for agencies to follow during collective agreement negotiations. The new guidelines change all the rules for DHA, and for you. Now you get to have a real say in how and what you bargain for.
Because no new AWAs will be made in the public sector, this round of negotiations impacts on all staff whether you are currently covered by the CA or an AWA.
What the bargaining rules mean for you
Staff choice:
New DEEWR rules speed up the process, giving staff more time to consider options
Comprehensive agreements that safeguard your rights are now encouraged. There is less pressure on agencies to remove conditions from the agreement and put them into policy.
Staff choice about what kind of agreement you want, whether it’s a union negotiated agreement or not, and more say about what goes into your agreement
Union Collective Agreements - what’s the difference?
Staff representatives can access training and legal support from the union
Your bargaining team must agree with the proposed agreement before it goes to the Minister for approval. Under a non-union agreement, your staff representatives cannot veto a bad deal.
All staff must still vote on the agreement before it can be lodged.
The biggest difference: a better agreement
CPSU gives staff a say and backs you up with bargaining expertise, which delivers consistently better outcomes. CPSU agreements deliver better pay and conditions than non-union agreements across the public sector, including:
4.2 % p.a. average pay rise, compared with 3.5 % for non-union agreements in the December quarter
New industry standards, including:
15.4% superannuation
14 weeks maternity leave
Enforceable, watertight agreements that lock in your entitlements
What happens now?
CPSU is discussing the upcoming agreement negotiations with DHA management. Union involvement in negotiations depends on you. If you want to have a real say in negotiations and bring your pay and conditions into line with the rest of the APS, then join online today at https://web.cpsu.org.au/join
Find out more and have your say by posting a comment below.
