A union collective agreement in Defence: the best defence for fair pay and conditions
30 July 2008, 3:07pm
CPSU has begun preparations for negotiating a new agreement for Defence staff, and shortly CPSU members and interested workers will have the opportunity to shape our approach and claim for making a new agreement.
Your employer is undertaking a series of workshops for managers and staff. At these workshops your employer is seeking an indication of your views about the form of a new agreement – should it be a union negotiated agreement or an employee (non union) agreement? It is an important decision with real consequences for your pay, rights and conditions.
Why are workers being asked to choose?
The new government’s policy is that agencies are now obliged to consult with workers about the form of agreement
CPSU strongly supports this approach, as it ensures workers who have previously been denied the benefits of a union negotiated collective agreement now have a real say
Already workers previously covered by non union agreements or individual contracts are voting for union.
Why the choice matters
The type of agreement determines how the agreement is made – and that makes a difference to outcomes on pay, rights and conditions:
Union collective agreement
Employee (non-union) collective agreement
• your employer and your union must reach agreement before an all staff vote
• no requirement to negotiate or to reach agreement before a staff vote
• experienced CPSU negotiators 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 in resolving issues
• individuals must raise disputes and your union is only involved if invited by a member
• the union is a party to the agreement and can take action to enforce it
• your union is restricted in its lawful ability to enforce any breaches or provide you with industrial advice and support.
It’s not just the expert negotiator
CPSU backs up its negotiators with the latest research and industry analysis – plus campaigning, media and lobbying expertise. That is why 85% of the APS choose union agreements.
The decisive factor – union members
Good agreement outcomes are won through strong workplace support. You still need an active and strong union membership to get the best possible outcomes.
