Transgrid bargaining update – February 2017 (PDF version)
The CPSU, together with the other unions and delegates, attended bargaining meetings on Monday 30 January 2017 and Monday 6 February 2017.
The living away from headquarters clause was a topic of discussion at both bargaining meetings. In particular, the issue of safety when working away from premises was considered.
Changes are being made to the wording of the work away from home clause in the proposed enterprise agreement to include the requirement that accommodation that employees stay in is safe, secure and reasonable. The pay rate for working away from home was also an issue of contention.
The employer wanted to have a flat rate, but the unions insisted on the ATO rates to ensure the true cost of accommodation is covered and that workers are not forced to compromise on safety due to the price of accommodation. This appears to have been accepted by the employer.
The other hot topic that was discussed at the 6 February meeting was the employer’s proposal to enter into an “Individual Employment Agreement” (or “IEA”) for salary point 30 or above for IEAs. The current agreement provides for salary point 35 and above.
The unions are opposing this proposal because it fundamentally undermines the concept of collective bargaining and also slashes conditions of employment for staff on IEAs including loss of the nine-day fortnight, super and a range of other entitlements. The unions are also questioning the legality of this proposal and there are concerns that IEAs may create legal uncertainty for individuals. We are interested in member views on this issue.
This issue affects current members who are paid at pay point 30 and above (i.e. earning $2195.30 per week or over) and would impact you as you progress in your career. Please get in touch with the CPSU contacts below to discuss further. The next bargaining meeting will be Monday 13 February.
Your Transgrid PSA (CPSU) Organiser is Ian Braithwaite, who will be doing site visits at TransGrid. Ian can be contacted at the following email: . The Industrial Officer for Ausgrid is Vera Babicheva who can be contacted at the following email:
Ian will be doing site visits to hold member meetings with both members and potential members.
A separate meeting notice will be sent with time/s and location/s shortly.
If your location is not identified please contact Ian with your details so a site visit at your location can be arranged.
If you are not currently a member of the PSA (CPSU) please click on the following link to JOIN up.
Remember bargaining means that the unions have the power to take industrial action and collective strength is crucial to this – there is power in numbers.
