New Agreement News - Agreement to Recommence Negotiations

After the first VicForests EBA negotiations ended in stalemate, the union recently met with VicForests to try to find a way forward.

The Union's position is that our comprehensive Agreement should be maintained in line with our wider objectives, providing pay rises and progression systems with full family friendly entitlements whereas VicForests appear intent on re-inventing the wheel by pushing for a limited agreement with only performance based pay increases. (see link further down).

At our previous negotiations, CPSU indicated that union members would be prepared to look at any management proposal, however none was forthcoming.

Because of this, negotiations did not proceed much further and the parties agreed to go back to Government (Workforce Victoria) to clarify and try to resolve an impasse.

CPSU has agreed to put the higher level debate about the nature of the agreement to one side, and to see what VicForests have to offer (which is all we were seeking in the first place).

Our position remains unchanged, with Government confirming they still must comply with the industrial relations policy framework of Government.

VicForests appeared before the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance & Public Administration Inquiry into Departmental and Agency Performance and Operations just before Christmas and the transcript exchanges makes very interesting reading and provides an insight into VicForests operations and the attitudes of MPs.

Click here to view/print;
http://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/council/SCFPA/DAPO/default.html

Your CPSU reps will be working hard to preserve and improve entitlements and conditions, and the union will update members via email and through workplace meetings of any progress.

It seems likely that the negotiations will recommence on February 17th.

Help us ensure that VicForests staff don't become second class public sector workers by distributing this bulletin widely, and talking to your colleagues about the benefits of CPSU membership.

If you would like to organise a meeting in your workplace, please contact CPSU Organiser Matthew Price on 9639 1822 or at mprice@cpsuvic.org

Our 7 day a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year industrial protection ensures you have the principal public sector organisation looking after your working rights, winning wage increases, protecting your conditions, and providing personal industrial assistance when you need it.


CPSU MEMBERSHIP IS PROTECTION FOR YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSET. YOUR JOB.

Speak to a colleague today about the benefits of CPSU membership and have them contribute to our successes rather than just enjoying the benefits.

Please distribute this bulletin and ask your colleagues to join CPSU to have their voice heard.


TOGETHER WE DO BETTER!

http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/Work-Can-Change-membership-flyer.pdf
http://www.cpsuvic.org/public_docs/memform.pdf


KAREN BATT
Victorian Branch Secretary

4 February 2009