The fallout from a management proposal to cut hundreds of CSIRO jobs continues with the Fair Work Commission set to consider a dispute lodged by the CSIRO Staff Association.
Following Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall’s shock announcement that up to 350 jobs could be at risk, the CSIRO Staff Association wrote to management and lodged a dispute, citing a failure to follow consultation provisions in the Enterprise Agreement.
Staff Association councillors – representing CSIRO workers from across the country – have voted to escalate the dispute by referring the matter to the Fair Work Commission in accordance with the Fair Work Act 2009.
Dispute reflects staff anger and dismay
“Staff are shocked and angry at this latest plan to cut CSIRO jobs and any semblance of confidence in Dr Marshall or the rest of the Executive Team is fast eroding,” said Staff Association Secretary Sam Popovski.
“CSIRO workplaces across Australia have condemned this awful plan to attack jobs and research at the organisation. The Australian public is dismayed and the international criticism continues to flood in, damaging the reputation of CSIRO.
“The Staff Association has a responsibility to do everything we can do to protect these jobs and that includes using the legally enforceable provisions of our Enterprise Agreement,” Mr Popovski said.
No consultation
“Dr Marshall has previously said on several occasions that staff should be respected but his recent actions and words have been anything but respectful,” Mr Popovski said.
“The Staff Association contends that CSIRO management are seeking to implement the specified changes – heavy cuts to jobs and research – without genuine consideration to matters that would be raised through consultation with staff.
“If CSIRO management are unwilling to follow employment law and genuinely consult with staff then the Staff Associations is duty bound to request the Fair Work Commission to enforce these laws,” he said.
More information
Read the Staff Association’s application to the Fair Work Commission here.
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