This is the twenty-first in a series of fact sheets to assist CSIRO union members better understand and enforce our rights at work.
The source of these rights is contained in the new CSIRO Enterprise Agreement
2011-2014 (attached at right) and relevant legislation.
Does the EA commit CSIRO, its staff and unions to preventing and eliminating
discrimination at CSIRO?
Yes. Clause 10b of the EA states ‘The parties and officers bound by this
Agreement will seek to prevent and eliminate unlawful discrimination on the
basis of race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical
or mental disability, relationship or marital status, family responsibilities,
pregnancy, religion, political opinion national extraction or social origin.’
Which other parts of the EA relate to Equity and Diversity?
The following clauses in the EA contain provisions which either acknowledge
and support diversity or provide mechanisms to promote equity in the workplace.
Clause 51 Indigenous Employment Strategy
Clause 55 Equity and Diversity Officers
Clause 58 Freedom of Association
Clause 65 Miscellaneous Leave
Clause 66 Compassionate Leave
Clause 69 Parental Leave (paid)
Clause 70 Parental Leave (unpaid)
Clause 73 Sick and Carers Leave
Clause 75 Part-time/Job share arrangements
Clause 76 Return from lengthy absences
Clause 77 Childcare
Clause 78 Facilities for nursing mothers
Clause 82 Phased retirement of mature aged staff
What can I do if I witness discrimination in the workplace or feel I am
being discriminated against?
Get advice immediately. Your Equity and Diversity Officer or Staff
Association Delegate (if you are a union member) can assist. Your Staff
Association Organiser or State/Federal Human Rights Commission can also provide
confidential advice to support you.
What formal processes are available to address discrimination in the
workplace?
There are a range of processes which can be accessed depending on the
circumstances. These include a dispute under the EA, a grievance (although this
process does not provide for independent review) or referral and conciliation
through a State/Federal Human Rights Commission.
