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University of Technology Enterprise Bargaining update

University of Technology Enterprise Bargaining update – July 2017 (PDF version)

The CPSU negotiating team met with HR management and the NTEU on 20 June, 2017 for negotiation meeting number three.

Management presented two items for change: Sick Leave and Fixed Term Appointments and Conversion.

Management said managers/supervisors are having trouble with the wording and understanding clause 9 of the EBA regarding fixed term conversion and severance pay and have simplified it. As entitlements remain unchanged, the editing was not challenged.

The university wants to make changes to sick leave. They want: “for the fourth and subsequent sick leave absences in the year”, employees provide a medical certificate for every day absent on every occasion. The CPSU opposes this.

Both unions want a Joint Consultative Committee. Most NSW universities, state-owned corporations and the Public Service of NSW already have JCCs, as a forum for consultation. The UTS does not want one. It argued it already consults, but both unions argued it is haphazard at best and needs to be formalised into a JCC.

Further in the CPSU claims are:

• Additional days for Domestic Violence Leave, bringing it up to 20 days.

• Specific guidelines for Working from Home.

• Adding an Allowance for Health and Safety Representatives in the workplace.

• Clarifying “flexible work place”, which should be accessible to all employees.

• Backfill positions when staff are absent for more than five working days.

• Cab charge for employees working past 8pm.

• There is a need of guidelines for broad banding.

The CPSU will send further updates after each negotiating meeting.