CPSU action pursuing RLA in the Fair Work Commission to secure remote locality entitlements for those missing out, has resulted in your agency unearthing historical RLA underpayments in Darwin, Cairns, Townsville, Port Augusta, Geraldton, Mildura and Kalkarindji from 1 July 2019 to 2 August 2021.

This could mean payment of significant backpay for members.

For example, a Darwin member could receive about $4540 (with dependents and /or partner) or $2280 per annum (no dependents) plus other relevant entitlements, super and interest.

NIAA notified and sought our assistance to resolve this matter quickly. We’re working with your employer to ensure staff are paid correctly including in respect of superannuation and accumulated interest.

If you know someone who worked in one of the locations, still with the agency but no longer working in a remote locality please pass this story on to them.

This back payment is separate to the dispute resolution we’re seeking in the FWC for a remote locality review that we negotiated into your new agreement. Your CPSU advocates put forward a strong case at the FWC Hearing this week. We’re now waiting on the Commissioner’s decision. Watch this space for more!

CPSU members collective action is pivotal to securing successful outcomes – such as this one.

It's members like you, who make this happen by contributing to our resources, credibility, and clout.

Be proud to share this story with a colleague not yet in the union and ask them to join today.