The results of a recent poll of union members points to strong support in the CSIRO workforce for the conclusion of bargaining and an all staff vote on the current Enterprise Agreement proposal.
Poll results
The online poll – open to Staff Association members and conducted in conjunction with a series of national membership meetings – asked for direction on whether union negotiators should recommend the current Enterprise Agreement (EA) proposal in a future staff ballot.
Of the more than five hundred Staff Association members who participated in the poll, 78 per cent or nearly four out of every five respondents directed union representatives to support the EA proposal.
However, the results also revealed concerns over not agreed clauses, namely proposed pay increases, changes to rules on postdocs and access and equity issues relating to superannuation.
Changes to clauses
As part of an approval process with the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC), CSIRO Executive recently announced additional changes to the EA proposal.
CSIRO has changed content to four clauses – Date of Operation, Management Accountability, Non-Cash Rewards, and Sick and Carer’s Leave – based on APSC advice that the improvements originally proposed were not consistent with the Federal Government’s bargaining policy.
As a result, the Staff Association has updated the bargaining analysis and updated and changed EA content documents to reflect these developments. The four clauses remain agreed, as existing EA entitlements are retained.
Next steps
While formal bargaining meetings have concluded, Staff Association representatives will meet with CSIRO Executives to map out the next steps of the process.
Following approval from the APSC, CSIRO Executive should proceed swiftly by releasing the final EA proposal to the workforce for a formal consideration period before an all staff ballot.
Join the Staff Association
Help secure CSIRO pay and working conditions by supporting the Staff Association. For more information on membership, email csstaff@cpsu.org.au or speak to your local delegate or organiser.
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