Your pay and conditions in DFAT – why choose union?
21 July 2008, 1:04pm
The CPSU has negotiated hundreds of union collective agreements covering tens of thousands of workers in the public sector and beyond. This experience tells us that union agreements are the strongest option for protecting and improving your rights, pay and conditions.
Official figures continue to show that union members earn 16% more than non
members on average, and that union members have greater access to leave,
superannuation, flexible working hours and other employment conditions. This is
the difference that collective bargaining and union membership makes.
With a union collective agreement, you get the right to have CPSU's
professional and experienced bargaining advocates directly representing you in
negotiations with your employer. Having a union collective agreement also means
the CPSU can make sure your rights and conditions are legally enforced once an
agreement is made. Under employee agreements, neither of these rights are
guaranteed.
What is the difference between agreement types?
When given a choice, our experience is that most staff in the majority of
agencies choose union collective agreements. Aside from the very obvious
difference in pay outcomes, this table shows key differences that affect your
ability to secure fair and decent pay and conditions.
Union collective agreement
Employee (non-union) collective agreement
latest average pays 4.1% per annum*
latest average pays 3.3% per annum*
your employer and your union must reach agreement before an all
staff vote
no requirement to reach agreement
experienced CPSU negotiators sit with delegates and bring knowledge
of latest developments in the public sector to the negotiations
management may choose to consult with staff but are only obliged to
provide information
your union representatives can visit you and assist you in the
workplace to enforce your rights
individuals must raise disputes and your union is only involved if
invited by a member
collective strength in negotiations and a strong position deliver
better pay and conditions
your union is restricted in its lawful ability to enforce any
breaches or provide you with industrial advice and support
*Source: DEWR September 2007
It is critical under the new bargaining framework that the form of agreement
is established at the beginning of the process. That’s why we are encouraging
you to vote for a union collective agreement and encourage others to do the
same.
What can I do?
Vote for a union collective agreement
Talk to your colleagues about voting for a union collective agreement
and joining CPSU
