It was a fairly hectic annual conference for On Plant Vets (OPV) and Food Inspectorial Service (FIS) union representatives this year in Canberra.
As well as debating a full general business agenda, delegates held important high level discussions with the Ministers office and senior AQIS management.
Sharing ideas
The conference began with On Plant Vets meeting CPSU FIS representatives to discuss common employment issues.
Ministerial meeting
On Tuesday night 24th June representatives from both OPV and FIS met with Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry ministerial advisors to discuss a number of meat industry issues.
Issues discussed included
consultative arrangements,
contractors,
deregulation,
future directions and,
potential risks relating to polices.
The discussions were positive, with advisors noting some matters for further discussion with the Minister.
Management meeting
On Wednesday 25 June, CPSU OPV and FIS representatives met both separately and together with AQIS management representatives Colin Hunter and Pam Molloy.
Overall, the joint meetings between CPSU, FIS group and OPV reps were constructive and progressive and received support from AQIS management.
Issue’s discussed:
MSEP trial: After two years of attempting to gain an Export registration, the Nolan plant in Gympie (QLD) has begun an MSEP trial exporting meat to the USA. Two containers have been shipped into the USA where that meat will be re-examined by the FSIS. AQIS stated that if any other plants want to attempt MSEP +1 in the future, they will need to have a high performance history in the export trade. The Gympie plant has been registered as a Tier 1 registration and will not be able to export to Asia.
Reviews in AQIS: Management informed the group there is currently a review into flexible employee arrangements. AQIS said the main interest of the review is how AQIS delivers relief for employees. AQIS is subject to legal frameworks for flexible employment and the review has not been completed. Options include casual, non-ongoing, and permanent part-time and contract.
Establishment classification: Agreement was reached with AQIS that shifts are calculated separately, and if OPV’s rotate across shifts then the OPV will be classified according to the largest shift. There is an ongoing dispute with AQIS concerning the exclusion of overtime in throughput calculations. This matter is likely to proceed to the Australian Industrial Relations Commission for resolution. Both your CPSU OPV representatives, the CPSU and AQIS recognize the need to review the method of Classification during negotiations for the next collective agreement.
Superannuation: All OPV’s that who work shifts are urged to check their super salary to ensure the correct amount of shift has been included in salary calculations. If employees work shift in 20 or more pay periods out of 26 between birthdays then this amount is added to their superannuation salary (salary at last birthday). CPSU members that have queried their super-salary have experienced an unacceptable delay and an inadequate response from AQIS. If this is an issue which affects you please contact your FIS representative
OH&S issues: An update was given on progress with hearing assessments to AQIS staff; these are now being undertaken in all states. RSI issues were raised particularly in regard to office/desk/computer facilities. Awareness of contributing factors and prevention of injuries were emphasized. The trend toward working long hours and extended shifts is noted by CPSU and AQIS management. Excessive overtime is also an issue that needs to be monitored.
