CPSU and CEPU representatives have met with Reach management over the last month to progress the union’s claim. Our negotiations have now reached the point where the Unions need your feedback on whether the package that has been negotiated is acceptable.
Reach have advised us that this is their final offer. They have agreed to ‘paid meetings’ to discuss this package and the unions have agreed to hold these meetings and advise Reach of the outcomes by Monday 11 August 2008. Reach have flagged that they will only guarantee this offer, including guaranteed back-pay to 1 June 2008 if we accept the offer and respond by 11 August 2008.
Big ticket items
The Unions served a comprehensive claim on the Company and a full summary of the outcome of our negotiations is attached.
The big ticket items and the Reach offer are:
Pay: Unions claim 5% pa, Reach offer 4%. Unions sought pay rise that at least matches Inflation (CPI). The current rate of CPI in last quarter = 4.5%pa. Reach said that 4% and other improvements agreed provided a suite of favourable conditions and also enable Reach to maintain stability and manage its labour costs.
Global Incentive Scheme: Reach did not agree with the Unions claim to abolish the Global Incentive Scheme and rolling the bonus into base pay. As a result the union amended the claim to have ‘Award’ employees match AWA employees maximum of 12% bonus. Reach did not agree and advised that they believed that there were swings and roundabouts in regard to AWA Vs ‘Award’ employees which provided parity.
Protection of Redundancy Entitlements for ex-Telstra Employees: Although not included in our claim, the unions identified a risk under the clause in the current agreement that if the Telstra redundancy provisions were cut, this cut would flow across to Reach. Reach agreed to preserve the redundancy provisions as at July 2008. This will protect this entitlement.
Improvement in the employer superannuation contribution: The unions claim was to increase the superannuation contribution by 3% over the life of the Agreement. Unions recognised that priority was a general wage increase, and believe that Reach have offered for a 1% increase. The unions are awaiting Reach confirmation on this point.
Changing the method of calculating the Annual Leave Loading: The unions are currently seeking further clarification of this point as Reach has claimed in negotiations that the impact of this change is minor.
Protection of Salary when salary sacrificing: Reach agreed that an employee’s salary for superannuation, severance and termination would not be reduced because of salary sacrificing.
Support for employees with work / family responsibilities: Reach agreed to improve current entitlements around paid paternity and adoption leave.
CPSU / CEPU member meetings
We are currently arranging member meetings this week to discuss the package that has been negotiated. We are also after member feedback on whether the package is acceptable.
If you are unable to attend a meeting and would like to provide your comments please e-mail CPSU Organiser Tim Dymond.
