The ATO is surveying you about whether you want a Union Collective Agreement or an Employee Collective Agreement. We think you are entitled to more information to enable you to make an informed decision.
You have choices to make between:
Maintaining a separate Agreement, or becoming part of one Agreement covering all non-SES Tax staff.
Genuine negotiation, or just “consultation” on management’s terms.
A genuine say and a vote on what you want in your bargaining position, or a complex and onerous ATO-determined process.
Representatives you choose, or representatives ATO selects.
Having access to the technical expertise and experience the CPSU can provide, or going it alone.
Having the support that only comes from a campaign by thousands of union members, or going it alone.
Deciding now, with over a year to go of your current Agreement, or having more time before making a decision that will affect your pay and conditions for three years.
This type of Agreement is arrived at through negotiation. Pressure can be put on management by a coordinated bargaining campaign. Your involvement is independent of ATO.
Will only happen in ATO if EL 2 staff choose a union Agreement.
All EL2 staff are represented by a union bargaining team whose members include a CPSU negotiator and EL 2 Tax staff.
Union members decide how staff bargaining reps are chosen.
Your EL 2 representatives will have training and legal support from the union.
CPSU policy requires that all staff be consulted prior to start of negotiations.
CPSU Core Claim serves as a set of common goals for bargaining.
The union bargaining team must agree with the proposed Agreement before the process can continue to the minister.
CPSU members then vote on the proposed Agreement before it goes to an all-staff vote.
Union members determine content of Agreement via a vote
Union Agreement covering all non-SES staff
All as above except:
All non-SES staff are represented by a union bargaining team whose members include a CPSU negotiator and Tax staff, including EL 2 representation.
Needs specific to EL 2s are dealt with through clauses in the Agreement
Employee Collective Agreement (ATO’s preference)
This type of Agreement is written by ATO. ATO determines who staff reps are and the process they follow. There is no negotiation.
Management decides how staff reps are chosen.
Staff reps are not entitled to receive any assistance.
The staff bargaining team is not required to agree with the proposed Agreement.
ECAs receive less support among staff, leading to delays.
Limited assistance available for union members if disputes arise.
Once ATO is satisfied with its draft Agreement, it goes to an all-staff vote.
We need your feedback!
Please help us to understand what you want for your new agreement by participating to our online here: EL 2 Agreement Survey
If you need any more information, please contact Rob.
