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Autumn 2004

WE'VE DONE IT

Public servants have broken through on an historic campaign that has seen one of the best wages outcomes – 14.7% for many years.

As well, we've won other gains in a wide range of areas (see article titled OUR AGREEMENT).
Following the strong membership vote of support, which saw 87% in favour from over 3,300 returned ballot papers, the agreement will be lodged with the Industrial Commission for certification.

Significantly, under the agreement, wage increases and increases in allowances will be back-dated to January 1 this year, meaning most members will get a double whammy - a hefty chunk of backpay and a wage increase - when the first wage increase payment is made.

State Secretary, Chris Brown has urged members to study the agreement carefully to ensure they take advantage of the new clauses.

"The wages and increases will automatically flow," Chris Brown said, "although all members should, of course, be checking their pay packets to make sure they are getting the full wack."

"But there are also a host of provisions which members can take advantage of if they know they are there."

"For example, there is an automatic entitlement to salary sacrifice. Members will need to go in and ask for that for themselves."

"Importantly, under the agreement, if the employer is planning to introduce changes in work arrangements that will have significant effects on employees, the employer has to notify employees affected and their union prior to implementing or trialing change."

"They can't just walk in and do what they want."

"There's also an increase in entitlements to bereavement leave. Members now have a decent period to try to come to terms with bereavements of their mother, father, partner or child."

"There's also some clear clauses and rights and entitlements on workload that members need to familiarise themselves with."

Chris Brown has also urged all workplaces that do not have worksite committees to start organising to get these established.

"In our campaign, where there were worksite committees, it was clear that was where some of the best and most organised support was coming from."

"We have to continue to build up our organisation for other campaigns into the future and for implementation of this agreement."

"There are a number of things which will require strength on the ground to implement. The workplace change clause will require ongoing strength in workplaces to police and to ensure it is effective. This clause relies on the strength of members."

"Similarly, the review of career structures will come out with recommendations, and that will have to be negotiated and implemented."

"Members can't rest on their laurels. It's clear that establishing worksite committees gets great results and I urge all areas of membership to work towards getting a worksite committee up if they haven't yet got one."