News

Friday, 15 November 2024

Forestry Corporation: Access period for the Enterprise Agreement opens… again


After a previous false start, the Forestry Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) has once again opened the access period for the FCNSW Enterprise Agreement. The proposed agreement includes a series of face-to-face and online meetings designed to explain the changes negotiated between FCNSW, the CPSU, and the AWU.

You may remember that the original offer was swiftly withdrawn by FCNSW following strong union action and discussions with the NSW Agriculture Minister, as well as calls from unions for a no vote. The bargaining process has continued since then, and the proposed FCNSW Enterprise Agreement 2024-2027 represents the final outcome of those negotiations.

The wins: A strong outcome for our members

While your CPSU NSW bargaining representatives cannot formally endorse a Yes vote, we are proud to highlight the significant wins for our members and the hard work that went into securing them.

Key wins

  • Better pay rises The salary increases in the proposed agreement are higher than those offered to NSW public servants under the Crown Employees Public Sector Salaries Award. The increases in the proposed FCNSW Enterprise Agreement are as follows:
    • 2024-25: 4%
    • 2025-26: 3.5%
    • 2026-27: 3%
  • Initial offer rejected We successfully pushed back against the original, inadequate offer from FCNSW, which would have left workers worse off. Thanks to union action and the power of collective bargaining, we secured a far stronger deal.
  • Job security in uncertain times The agreement offers some employment security in uncertain times. This is an important outcome for workers who rely on stability in their roles.
  • Removal of core time and replaced with an employee able to work a minimum of 3.5 continuous hours on any ordinary day of work.
  • No maximum time placed on meal breaks.

These are just a few examples of the key improvements we were able to secure through strong, collective bargaining.

What’s changed?

Members will notice that the format of the proposed Enterprise Agreement (EA) has changed significantly. Your CPSU NSW bargaining representatives dedicated considerable time and effort to ensure that any changes to the language of the EA maintained the intent of the clauses unless there was direct negotiation on the substance of those clauses.

The proposed FCNSW EA will be in effect for three years, with salary increases backdated to the first full pay in July.

In addition to the pay rises, there have been several other important changes:

  • Payments for firefighting roles.
  • Higher rates of pay for specific firefighting classifications, such as Sector Commander and Strike Team Leader, to recognise the responsibility and experience required for these roles.
  • Flexibility: While the CPSU NSW requested six flex days per 12-week settlement period, FCNSW has instead offered a 3.5-hour floating core and payments for extra hours worked above the 20-hour settlement credit threshold provided the hours have been approved by a manager.

What’s next?

FCNSW has scheduled both face-to-face and online meetings to explain the proposed changes to the EA. These sessions will provide an opportunity for the workforce to ask questions and better understand the agreement. We strongly encourage you to participate.

Additionally, the CPSU NSW will host an online meeting specifically for our members. Our representatives, along with bargaining representatives, will be available to answer any questions you may have. Please keep an eye on your inbox for the upcoming invitation.

A final word

While the CPSU NSW is not campaigning for or against the vote, we strongly encourage you to carefully review the proposed agreement. This outcome reflects significant improvements made possible by the collective action of our members. Whether you’re for or against the agreement, it’s crucial that you make an informed decision based on the facts.

Thank you for your ongoing support. We’ve made progress, and we’ll continue to advocate for our members’ best interests moving forward.

Your CPSU NSW Bargaining Representatives

Nigel Fuller
Railee White
Rob Young