Prospect of industrial action yields results in DPS
6 August 2008, 10:36am
The CPSU and other DPS Unions have now concluded ballots of union members to determine if members are prepared to take industrial action to secure a new collective agreement. The outcome of those ballots indicates strong support for such action.
You should be aware that the Workplace Relations Act requires at least 50% of
members to vote in these types of ballots and for a majority of those that vote
to support the taking of industrial action for it to be legal protected
industrial action.
83% of CPSU members that voted supported taking industrial action.
At the same time DPS management has realised that it can no longer just sit
there and say, “NO”. They have made a number of concessions over recent days.
These include:
Pay
DPS are now offering
2008 – 5% from the date of operation (likely to be late September/early
October)
2009 – 4.6% from 1 July 2009.
2010 – 4.2% from 1 July 2010.
Conditions
Travel in support of parliamentary committees on Sundays and Public
Holidays will now be compensated by flextime at double time rates instead of
at time and a half.
A new entitlement to two weeks paid Parental Support Leave has been
created.
Language Allowance – A clause will be included in the new agreement that
will commit DPS to negotiating an allowance in the event that DPS requests
or approves a tour undertaken by a Guide in a foreign language.
Loading Dock Allowance – DPS remains opposed to our claim but it will be
progressed separately as an OH&S issue.
Unresolved
DPS management has suggested a form of words addressing our concerns with
working hours for EL 1s. While it provides for time off in lieu on an hour for
hour basis for any hours worked in excess of 40 hours a week, we are attempting
to clarify the treatment of those hours worked between 37.5 hours and 40 hours a
week.
We are also seeking to clarify other aspects of the management proposal
including the late inclusion of a ‘barrier’ in the EL 2 salary range.
Union membership matters
These concessions were secured by CPSU members standing firm in support of a
fair deal and contributing their time and hard earned money to ensure there is
an effective and representative union in DPS. If you are not a member then
join online now to maintain your
union:
Congratulations!
We hope to be in a position to reach in-principle agreement by the end of the
week. Further advice will follow.
