The new CSIRO Enterprise Agreement (EA) proposal has eventually got through Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) assessment after it was first submitted to the Commission nearly three months ago.
However, the EA proposal still needs to pass a formal approval step by the APSC Commissioner, which may take another two weeks.
Good news
It is definitely good news for Staff Association members that the EA proposal looks likely to get through the APSC soon and will therefore be submitted to an all staff vote in September.
This will mean that a new EA would likely be in place before the nominal expiry date of the current EA on 15 November.
Member pressure
Pressure from Staff Association members in recent months has been important in pushing CSIRO senior management and HR on progress with the APSC.
It has also been critical in achieving a largely unchanged EA proposal from what was supported by a majority of Staff Association members in April.
Clause analysis
The Staff Association’s clause analysis document is fully updated.
The major change follows APSC intervention on parental leave. The Staff Association is no longer agreed with CSIRO on this important clause as our claim for the equitable provision of parental leave for birth mothers, adoption, fostering and guardianship was rejected by the APSC, being considered an ‘enhancement’ to the EA.
However, senior management and HR have committed to providing equitable parental leave through CSIRO procedures. The Staff Association supports this commitment but reiterates our objective to have parental leave entitlements in the EA so that they are legally enforceable.
Next steps
A meeting with all bargaining representatives will be held early next week to discuss the timing of the final APSC approval step and the all staff vote on the new EA proposal.
Join the union
The solidarity of Staff Association members to protect CSIRO working conditions has been the key feature of this bargaining campaign. If you are not yet a member, consider joining today. It’s quick, easy and benefits you and your colleagues.
