By now you will have received a copy of the proposed new Enterprise Agreement (EBA) and other explanatory information to consider prior to a staff ballot opening on 5 April 2020.
Briefly, negotiations for the new agreement with the company began on 25 July 2019. After the parties reached stalemate in bargaining AGLM notified the unions they intended to put an offer directly to staff.
The key changes made from the current EBA are as follows:
Mass union meetings were held on 12 March and AGLM proposal was debated.
A motion was put forward by the rank and file to reject the offer and this carried by the meeting. The unions wrote to AGLM advising them of our combined position and requesting a final meeting to resolve the deadlock.
AGLM agreed to the meeting but the parties were unable achieve a resolution.
A bargaining dispute was file by CFMMEU, and subsequently supported by the CPSU and ETU. The Fair Work Commission held a conciliation conference on 26 March 2020, in an attempt to resolve the changes Bayswater Operators’ role. While the Commission was somewhat sympathetic to our application, the FWC ultimately expressed the opinion that the proposal should be seriously considered by staff in light of the current health crisis and economic outlook. Click HERE for a copy of the FWC statement.
It should be noted the unions were seriously contemplating “No Vote” Campaign. However, many things have changed in only a short period of time. The COVID-19 health crisis has seen a sharp spike in unemployment and with dire economic predictions on the horizon.
AGLM has also advised since COVID-19 began that if this offer is voted down and negotiation need to start again then the 3.5 per cent increase and effective pay rise date of 31stDecember 2019 would be off the table completely.
Bearing in mind the high level of uncertainty over the economy, the views express by the FWC, the CPSU NSW bargaining team recommends members Vote “Yes” to the current offer.
On a personal note, we would like to acknowledge and thank our bargaining representatives for their time and valued input over the last several months. Agreements are always hard fought, and we could not do it without their commitment.
Scott Flynn Operator
Greg Cooper Operator
Grahame McNeill Operator
Shane Delforce Technical
Phil Innes Team Leader
Terry Joy Team Leader
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United We Bargain, Divided We Beg!