Staff Association members are currently considering Executive’s first pay offer via an exclusive online poll, with the results set to inform the direction of the CSIRO remuneration debate and the strategy of union bargaining representatives.
In the meantime, enterprise agreement (EA) negotiations have continued to progress with the latest talks featuring discussions focusing on workloads, superannuation and consultation.
Elsewhere, CPSU’s service-wide bargaining campaign has stepped up with union members at Services Australia participating in national, 24 hour stop-work action.
CSIRO Executive’s initial pay proposal is 11.2 per cent over three years (4% in the first year, followed by 3.8% and 3.4%) mirrors the second, lacklustre offer put forward by the Australian Public Service Commission (ASPC) in service-wide bargaining (SWB).
Staff Association members are now asked to participate in a confidential online poll to measure support for this pay proposal and provide direction for union bargaining representatives in future negotiations. Non-members must join the union to participate.
Union members are being asked on a confidential, anonymous basis whether the first pay proposal from CSIRO Executive is good enough or if we have to campaign for an improved offer.
The poll is open until 8pm (AEDT) Friday 20 October 2023 and is open to all Staff Association members. Non-members must join the union to participate.
Union members are provided with opportunities for their views and opinions to be represented in negotiations. If you’re not a member and would like to participate in the poll, join the Staff Association today.
Enterprise agreement negotiations have continued meanwhile, with discussion of issues with financial implications back on the table following APSC approval of CSIRO remuneration declaration.
Executive clarified proposed changes to superannuation, in response to the Staff Association’s long-running campaign to receive a guaranteed minimum employer superannuation contribution of 15.4%, regardless of choice of fund.
While the clause detail is due to tabled at the next negotiation meeting, Executive bargaining representatives have confirmed that proposed superannuation choice improvements would not be limited to industry funds, contrary to recent communication on the issue.
Executive have tabled a new clause on workloads based on the APSC model, recognising the importance of work/life balance and providing individuals or groups the right to review workloads. However, more discussion is required to determine if the clause is fit for purpose and contains necessary detail.
CSIRO Executive have put forward a clause confirming in-principle commitment to pre-decision consultation, a critical bargaining priority for Staff Association members. Discussions will now focus on the practical application of the proposed changes, including key structural improvements needed to support pre-decision consultation.
The Staff Association provided feedback on Executive’s proposed Domestic Family Violence and Abuse Support clause. Union suggestions included content that place requirements on CSIRO to treat employee information with the highest level of sensitivity and confidentiality.
Earlier this week, thousands of CPSU members in Services Australia took part in a 24-hour strike as part of service-wide bargaining in the Australian Public Service (APS).
CPSU is also understood to be in the process of applying to run protected action ballots at three more APS workplaces, including the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) and the Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
The campaign escalation comes after the most recent APSC pay offer in service-wide bargaining – 11.2 per cent over three years – failed to secure clear support from CPSU’s APS members.
The next CSIRO EA negotiation meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 17 October.
Topics scheduled for discussion include superannuation, Workplace Issues Resolution Procedure, work from home and flexible work arrangements, and parental leave and continued discussion of consultation improvements.
Staff Association members with comments or suggestions are encouraged to contact the union by email, or speak to a workplace delegate or organiser.
Support our campaign to improve CSIRO pay and conditions by joining the union today.
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