After 17months, two failed employer-driven ballots, three periods of industrial action, coverage in every major media outlet as to your worthy cause, several undertakings provided by MTC to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) and more meetings than any of us have had roast dinners, this morning the FWC approved your Enterprise Agreement.
It should never have been this hard, but you got there.
Today is a day to pat each other one the back as union members and recognise what you have achieved. Were it not for your efforts you would have been in receipt of a substandard pay increase, little to no sign-on payment and an Agreement that would have seen short staffing, and in turn your safety, worsen.
This is not an act of benevolent generosity by your employer. It is something worked for and earnt by you, CPSU NSW members, sticking together and fighting for what you deserve.
The numbers that really matter now are:
This agreement would not have been achieved without the tireless and often self-sacrificing work of your delegates Brian Kirk and Mark Ward. The PSA/CPSU NSW has hundreds of delegates across the State and you are blessed with two of our finest. Thank them for your pay rise when it hits your bank account.
Speaking of which the CPSU NSW is now urging MTC to make this available at the first pay period after the operative date (Tuesday 24 October 2023). After this much delay it is the least that can be done.
As always we will be in constant consultation from here with your employer about issues that arise in your workplace. Now is not the time to put your union hat away, but to stay active. Your safety at work and the correct application of this agreement will remain our paramount concerns leading up to the expiry of the MTC contract in March 2026.
Once again, congratulations on this achievement. It is a great day for you and your strength in union.
