CPSU (SPSF) LOG OF CLAIMS FOR NEW UNION COLLECTIVE AGREEMENTS

CPSU lodged the CPSU (SPSF) Log of Claims for new Union Collective Agreements at the 3 South Australian Universities on 6/6/08. Similar claims are being lodged at all Australian universities by all unions involved in the negotiations. The full claim is here.

The CPSU Log of Claims seeks a pay rise of 9% pa over 3 years and reinstatement of employment conditions removed from the higher education sector under the Howard government's Work Choices. The CPSU claim is substantially similar to the NTEU claim however there are differences in the claim that reflect concerns of CPSU in relation to General/Professional staff interests in respect to the inclusion of prohibited matters. This is one of the most important Agreements that has been negotiated for some time given the political context outlined below. CPSU, working with the other unions involved, now have a chance to redress some of the unpalatable aspects of the HEWRRs requirements. However, this requires that we work together and that all those who benefit are members if we are to be successful.

The Log is seeking a relatively short Agreement expiring 31 December 2009. The reason for this is that the legislative and funding arrangements for universities through to 2011 (being the date an ordinary three-year Arrangement would conclude) are not yet clear.

The political context which underpins the Log is as follows:-

• Howard is Gone!

• Federal Government has requested "wage restraint" based on arguments surrounding high inflation and interest rate pressure

• Federal Government has announced an inquiry into the Higher Education Sector

• Julia Gillard has publicly acknowledged labour market problems in Higher Education arising from labour shortages and ageing workforce

Economic Context

• Labour market shortages in the market for skilled workers

• The anticipated inflation to June 2008 is expected to be 3.25%

• Interest rate rises and petrol price rises have hit workers budgets hard

• The economy is strong but inflation and uncertainty is on the rise

• HEWRRs have been abolished but we still retain serious limitations on bargaining through prohibited content

Wage Claim

In the current context a claim of 9% pa is reasonable. This was moved by Andrew Beck CPSU Councilor from University of SA at the CPSU Higher Education Conference held in Sydney April 1-2 and endorsed by Higher Education delegates at the Conference.

Full details of the CPSU Log of Claims can be found on the CPSU website. The Log of Claims is for:-

Salary increases of 9% pa
Expiry Dates and Three-Year Framework
Restoration of Employment Rights lost due to HEWRRs and Work Choices
Significant claims in respect to casual employment
Grant Funded Research Staff
Parental Leave
Superannuation
Carer's Leave
Professional/General Staff Classification issues
Intellectual Freedom
Indigenous Employment
Workloads and Staffing Levels
Coverage
Dispute Setting Procedures
*Job Security
Workers Compensation
Policy Development and Review

*There seems to be a rising incidence of forced redundancies. We need to bargain to ensure fair and transparent processes in which we have some involvement and ability to influence.

CPSU seeks to commence bargaining negotiations with University management by the end of June 2008, and to conclude Agreements within three months.

For enquiries please contact PSA Industrial Officer Margaret Warner on 8205 3209 or mw@cpsu.asn.au

WORK TOGETHER - WIN TOGETHER
CPSU WORKING FOR GENERAL/PROFESSIONAL STAFF IN UNIVERSITIES