UNIVERSITY ENTERPRISE BARGAINING 11 May 2009

ENTERPRISE BARGAINING HAS COMMENCED

Enterprise Bargaining meetings at both Adelaide University and the University of South Australia has commenced. They are being held fortnightly on Monday morning (University of SA) and Tuesday Mornings (Adelaide University). In addition to Senior Industrial Officer Ian Peak, the nominated CPSU Staff Representatives at the University of SA are CPSU Vice President Andrew Beck & CPSU Worksite Representative Avonne Newton.

The PSA submitted its claim on the 6th of June 2008. See CPSU Brief 13/6/2008.

In addition to a claim of 9% per annum, the CPSU also seeks restoration of all Employment Rights lost as a result of the Howard Governments Work Choices & Higher Education WorkPlace Reforms (HEWR's) legislation. This prohibited many clauses being put in Collective Agreements.

The Universities have not yet responded with an offer. Both universities state they want "greater flexibility" and to be "responsive to change". The University of SA has responded with a counter claim. It states 'That a new (3 year agreement) should be principle based and matters of detail be contained in relevant policies, procedures & guidelines".

It is of concern that the University wants to have less in the Enterprise Agreement and more in the Policies procedures manual.

They are also challenging automatic & annual incremental progressions stating that

1. “Progression to the next step occurs on a biennial basis” &

2. “Incremental progression to the next step in a classification be subject to satisfactory performance” should CPSU state that the normal performance assessment process apply, not an additional hurdle.

These are thresh-hold matters which will will be rejected by the unions.

In Enterprise Bargaining, both the union and management sides make various claims and offers, with the aim of negotiating a satisfactory draft Enterprise Agreement which is then voted on by all employees. During the negotiating process these claims can be modified, deleted or added to. The CPSU appreciates any and all suggestions from its members.

At the last meeting (Monday 4/5/2009) CPSU raised the issue of unpaid tea breaks. Though this right to Tea Breaks and other breaks was not included in a EA Clause, it is accepted custom and practise. The Unions though were aware of some areas where management discouraged the taking of tea breaks. These are only isolated incidences and any concerns should be raised with HR and through the CPSU. If members consider that a Clause re tea breaks should be in the EA, please contact the CPSU.

For enquiries and suggestions, please contact Ian D Peak, Senior Industrial Officer on 8295 3294 or email ian@cpsu.asn.au

11 May 2009