Despite the current Northcott agreement expiring over a year ago, Northcott have so far failed to begin negotiating a new agreement.
A key issue for members with the current agreement is our position that some members are being significantly underpaid under the current agreement. As previously reported to members, Northcott advised the CPSU NSW that the Level 2.2 role in the Northcott Enterprise Agreement is different to the 2.2 role set out in the applicable Modern Award, the Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (the Award). This is why Northcott are choosing to pay staff employed in the Northcott 2.2 position less than the Award level 2.2 rate.
However, members have advised the Union that the Northcott Level 2.2 role in practice involves the same if not more duties and responsibilities compared to the Award level 2.2 role.
In response, the Union sought legal advice. The advice recommends the CPSU NSW file a bargaining order with the Fair Work Commission to make Northcott come to the table.
Early this month, the CPSU NSW wrote to Northcott and advised of its intention to seek the assistance of the Fair Work Commission. Subsequently on 13 February 2025, the Union met with Northcott. During the meeting, Northcott advised that they are not in a position to bargain until the end of the year.
The CPSU NSW advised this would likely not be acceptable to members as the agreement has already expired and members are being paid in some instances less than the modern award.
The union encourages further feedback on the issue and wishes to hear from you on Northcott’s proposal to only begin bargaining later this year.
An online member meeting has been set for:
Tuesday 25 February 2025
10:00am-11:00am
Meeting ID: 489 694 249 380
Passcode: t3Nt9kj3
