News Flash

Industrial Action by NTEU members will commence with a 24 hour strike on Wednesday 16th September 2009.
CPSU policy is that our members do not pick up any duties that are part of bans by any other union.

CPSU recognises the difference for Professional/General staff when taking industrial action with less flexibility of working hours.

CPSU has not applied for a ballot to take industrial action.

Will industrial action achieve a better pay increase and better conditions for university staff? Industrial action at the universities in the past has helped in achieving the conditions you currently have. Without industrial action no worker would have the conditions we currently have. Historically industrial action has achieved better pay and conditions which have been enjoyed by all employees.

The three South Australian universities have put out salary offers that are not competitive against the numerous agreements reached to date around the country. Most universities have offers that are around about 16% over the 4 year period of Agreements. Traditionally the 3 SA universities sit back and see where comparable universities finally reach an agreement. Universities need to be competitive not just in terms of income but in being able to offer salaries that will attract and retain the best quality staff that will make each of our universities competitive.

There is growing frustration from the union negotiators and university staff that negotiations have not produced agreement on either a just and fair pay increase or on conditions matters. Union representatives and the University have been in negotiations for months over terms and conditions. The unions have proposed a number of provisions to improve working life at universities. These include increasing job security for casual and contract staff, and restoring those rights and conditions lost under the previous Howard Government.

CPSU and other unions involved in the negotiations are seeking a salary increase that will bring salaries into line with other Australian universities. Management wants to link all discussion of pay to further significant erosion of working conditions.

Despite the Unions best efforts University Management is unwilling to commit to the unions proposals. University Staff have repeatedly delivered quality educational outcomes; CPSU has stated that our members deserve quality pay and conditions.

The response to CPSU questionnaires have been invaluable in the bargaining negotiations. Any employer would be unwise to ignore the stated wishes of their staff on the conditions that are important to them in their employment with the University.

In the meantime, we will continue our efforts to bring collective bargaining negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion.

Please do not hesitate to contact CPSU Industrial Officer, Margaret Warner for clarification on any of the issues mw@cpsu.asn.au or (08) 8205 3209

9 September 2009