News

Friday, 7 February 2025

CPSU NSW Survey: University of Newcastle Professional Staff Enterprise Agreement (EA) proposed extension.


CPSU NSW members are invited to vote on a proposal to extend the 2023 Professional Staff Enterprise Agreement (EA) for an additional 12 months, until April 30, 2026.

Please take a moment to read through the information below before you cast your ballot.

Per the Vice Chancellor’s correspondence on 29 January 2025, the University has proposed an increase of 3% effective March 2026.

Should the professional staff endorse this proposal, changes to the existing EA would encompass:

  1. Amendment to section 1.2 Duration of the Agreement
  • 1.2.1 The nominal expiry date of the Agreement is 30 April 2025 30 April 2026.
  1. Amendment to section 4.1 Salary
  • 4.1.1 – Schedule 3 – Rates to be paid to Higher Education Workers.

o   4.1.2 This Agreement provides for the following increases to salaries and casual rates:

    • d) 3% increase to be paid from the start of the first pay period commencing on or after 1 March 2026
  1. Amendment to section 6.2 Public Holidays and University Holidays
  • 6.2.5 – Public Holidays and University Holidays identified as falling within the University’s end of year closedown periods from 2023 to 2025 2026 in respect of staff working ordinary hours Monday to Friday are as set out in Schedule 7 – University closedown dates. The Tuesday immediately following Easter Monday will also be a University Holiday.

Furthermore, legislative amendments, encompassing the ‘Right to Disconnect’ and provisions for casual employment, will require amendments or additions.

If the ballot is successful, the university will present the proposal to all staff for a vote. A majority “yes” vote will prompt the University of Newcastle to seek Fair Work endorsement, while a negative vote will require CSPU NSW representatives to return to the bargaining table.

We would also like to ask you if you would be more inclined to vote for the variation if the increase was 3.5% or 4%.

Cast your ballot HERE

The ballot closes at 12:00pm, 11 February 2025.

If you have any questions, please email or call your CSPU delegate representatives, Shell Dillion or Mark Smith, at extension 54222.