Media release: CPSU welcomes new PS bargaining guidelines

Key features of the new arrangements include:

• central role for collective agreements and no more public service AWAs
• employees determine type of agreement for their agency
• reasonable access to union support in the workplace
• commitment to ‘genuine' negotiations
• recognition of the important role of union representatives.

CPSU National Secretary, Stephen Jones said: "The new guidelines go some way to restoring balance to the workplace relations across the Federal public sector.

"Under the previous Government, workplace relations got bogged down in petty disputes which were more about ideology than common sense, said Mr Jones.

"The new guidelines remove the ideology and create a level playing field.

"Importantly, collective bargaining is now at the centre of the process. Employees have a real say, something an overwhelming majority of public sector workers have been calling for years.

"I am very pleased that the Rudd Labor Government recognises the legitimate role unions and workplace representatives have in providing advice and support to members in their own workplaces.

"Hopefully we can move forward to a more constructive environment," said Mr Jones.

For comment

Stephen Jones

More information:

The Australian Government Employment Bargaining Framework (‘Bargaining Framework’) (PDF 16kB) sets out Australian Government policy as it applies to workplace relations arrangements in Australian Government employment.

The Supporting Guidance to the Australian Government Bargaining Framework(PDF 130kB) is intended to assist agencies in applying the Government's policy on agreement making in Australian Government Employment.