Executive has finally announced the commencement of bargaining at CSIRO, however the late start will put contract negotiations under considerable strain, the Staff Association has warned.
The delayed decision to begin negotiations comes with less than four months to go until the nominal expiry of the current enterprise agreement (EA).
“We had hoped that with all the preparation and notice provided the delayed start could have been avoided,” Staff Association Secretary Susan Tonks said.
“However, the union welcomes the decision by CSIRO Executive’s decision to commence bargaining; this news is a positive development.”
In an email to staff, Executive Director Elanor Huntington confirmed that the organisation has “now received Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) approval of our proposed bargaining position… this means CSIRO is now able to start bargaining for a new Enterprise Agreement.”
“Given the time that it can take to negotiate a new agreement, on balance, we have decided to start without delay.”
Dr Huntington had previously stated that “CSIRO cannot commence bargaining without the necessary APSC approvals.”
The Staff Association has been ready to negotiate for months, Ms Tonks said.
“Our bargaining representatives are prepped and ready to go and we’re confident that formal talks can commence as early as next week.”
“Staff Association members have already considered and democratically endorsed the union’s claim, our starting point for negotiations,” Ms Tonks said.
CSIRO have confirmed the imminent release of the Notice of Employee Representational Rights (NERR) – a legislative requirement of the Fair Work Act which is necessary to commence enterprise bargaining.
For Staff Association members, this confirms the formal representational role that the union will play in EA negotiations. No further action is required.
For employees who are not members of the union, unless you appoint yourself or another person as a bargaining agent, your views in negotiations will be represented by the Executive.
Make sure your voice is heard at the negotiating table by joining the union today.
It’s simple arithmetic; the greater our numbers, the stronger our bargaining power.
There’s a place for everyone in the Staff Association. Complete a secure online membership application today.
