With enterprise bargaining negotiations concluding on Wednesday 21 October 2021, the CPSU NSW would like to thank all the bargaining representatives involved. In particular, we wish to thank the former Fair Work Deputy President, Anna Booth in facilitating and guiding all the parties through the interest based bargaining process. Interest Based Bargaining is different to traditional/positional bargaining. It is more collaborative, consensus-seeking, focusing on the underlying interests of the parties rather than the traditional adversarial approach that focuses on positions/log of claims from all parties.
What has changed?
2.04% pay increase, back paid to the first full pay period after 1 July
Stronger Consultation Clause, using the interest based approach to consultation
Better workplace flexibility. With a new remote working clause and an emphasis on the direct leader accepting the a request for flexible working hours unless it would unreasonably effect the operations of the business.
Improvements to parental leave, both parents will have equal access to paid provisions. As well as paid provisions in the event of miscarriage or still birth.
New Health and Wellbeing clause committing WaterNSW to continually improve its policies and strategies for enabling an employee’s physical, pyscho-social, and mental safety and wellbeing while at work.
Improved incident roster and recall to work clauses, that acknowledge employees work/life balance.
New continuous improvement clause supporting professional development and registration of staff.
A commitment that during the life of the new Agreement that there will be a review of the remuneration structure.
An additional one days annual leave for those staff who have 4 weeks or less annual leave balance as at 30 June 2022, and who have taken at least 2 weeks leave.
A one off shutdown from 24 December 2021 until 10 January 2022.
Accordingly, the CPSU NSW supports the proposed Enterprise Agreement, and recommends that all members vote YES.
Next Steps
Today WaterNSW has opened up the access period for all staff to look at the proposed Enterprise Agreement and supporting information in preparation to vote on the EA. Voting commence son 2 November 2021, concluding 5pm 10 November 2021.
Members meeting
If anyone has any questions or comments about the proposed Enterprise Agreement or the voting process, there will be a members meeting on:
