Formal talks for a new CSIRO enterprise agreement are winding down for the calendar year, with bargaining representatives using the short summer hiatus to take stock of negotiations.
Meanwhile, Staff Association members are being asked to participate in an online poll measuring support for Executive’s revised pay proposal and overall progress in bargaining.
The member poll closes Wednesday 20 December 2023 and the results will have a major impact on the future direction of the union’s bargaining campaign.
Bargaining representatives used the final negotiation meeting of 2023 to take stock of agreed content and identify any outstanding items that require further consideration.
A proposal from Staff Association negotiators to extend leave arrangements to cover a Christmas closedown – in effect saving CSIRO employees two additional days of paid leave – was positively received.
Executive bargaining representatives are in the process of checking with the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) before providing a draft clause.
Staff Association members are being polled on Executive’s revised pay proposal, which features an 11.2 per cent increase over three years (4% in the first year, followed by 3.8% and 3.4%) plus back pay to November 2023 and an additional one-off payment equivalent to 0.92 per cent of base salary.
The member poll is open until Wednesday 20 December and non-members must join the union to participate.
Access the member poll here.
Members are also being asked to measure the improvements to rights and working conditions and measure the progress of negotiations.
Implementing an equal rate for superannuation deductions (regardless of fund) and the introduction of pre-decision workforce consultation at CSIRO represent the achievement of key bargaining priorities for Staff Association members.
However, some union claims remain outstanding, including improvements to representational rights and processes for CSOF5 and above staff to access flexible time off in lieu.
Restoring workplace rights to the enterprise agreement also formed a key campaign goal and the union has produced an updated progress report card to assist members to assess, at a glance, the current state of negotiations.
The results of the second poll will be communicated to members towards the end of next week and will influence on the Staff Association’s bargaining approach in the new year and the prospects for protected action.
In a recent all staff webinar, Executive bargaining representatives restated their intention to put forward an new enterprise agreement for consideration in the first quarter of 2024, following the receipt of APSC approvals.
Staff Association members with comments or suggestions are encouraged to contact the union by email, speak to a workplace delegate or organiser.
Want to have your say on CSIRO pay? Join the Staff Association today and participate in our member poll on Executive’s revised pay offer.
Join securely online, it only takes a few minutes.
