Nick Everett, Canberra
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations employees have voted overwhelmingly against a non-union agreement put forward by DEWR management. The result, declared on January 27, was 78% against the proposal.
DEWR management has so far refused to meet with the Community and Public Sector Union to negotiate a union agreement. The CPSU will now be notifying a bargaining period in the Industrial Relations Commission, enabling staff to take protected industrial action to pressure DEWR management for a better offer.
The non-union agreement restricts access to the Industrial Relations Commission and includes a below-average pay offer of 12% over three years. It also reduces working conditions and allowances, including annual pay increments. Opposition was particularly strong among employees who had recently come into DEWR from the Department of Family and Community Services, where conditions are better.
In the lead-up to the ballot, more than 1000 signatures were collected on a petition demanding that DEWR start negotiations with the union. Rallies were held in some cities.
The result demonstrated that union members were outraged that management refused to take their views into consideration. This is the third time DEWR has offered a non-union agreement. In 2002, staff voted by more than 90% to reject a similar non-union deal.
From Green Left Weekly, February 2, 2005.
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