Up to 30,000 employees in more than 300 specialist occupations employed across 30 government agencies will receive an early christmas present this year as CPSU has reached an in principle agreement with the State Government for a new Heads of Agreement in 3 parts. 

Tier 1: Wages - 3.25% per annum will be paid in two instalments as currently done under our Workplace Determination with 1.75% due 1st January 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019 and 1.5% on 1st July 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 over the 4 year agreement.  The 3.25% per annum comprises the Government's 2.5% annual pay increase and 0.5% for service delivery improvements in the partnership plan and a further 0.25% for implementing new initiatives.  A 1% equivalent bonus will be paid to those employees at the top of Grades or Value Ranges if employees meet their performance criteria each year.  All Grade 1’s to be reclassified as Grade 2’s.  Grade 1 will utilised as a new cadet/ training position for indigenous and disadvantaged youth.  Program will be developed.   Introduction of a best practice family violence leave provision, providing access to up to 20 days paid leave each year.  Access to non-discriminatory parental leave entitlements.  Improved processes for managing excess annual leave.  Christmas closedown arrangements that provide for maintenance of services facilitated by use of excess annual leave, other leave credits and accrued time in lieu.  Preference for secure forms of employment.  A review of classifications will take place during the life of the agreement taking account of the new capability framework. 

Tier 2: Outstanding Central and Schedule negotiations - The parties have agreed to refine the main items outstanding from the Central and the Schedule negotiations and to commence facilitated negotiations with former Deputy President Greg Smith.  Where no agreement can be reached on these, a recommendation to the parties for inclusion in the agreement could be made.  This will comprise the final components of the agreement that will be put to a ballot of all employees in the new year. 

Tier 3: Facilitative Clause: Items to be negotiated during the life of the agreement - Many items relate to whole of Government reform (standardisation of employment practices/ bullying processes etc. review of Community Corrections classifications structures etc.) and some others may be added during the tier 2 process.  A facilitative clause will be included to allow work to continue during the life of the agreement and provide sufficient time for the referral of the relevant industrial powers to the Commonwealth to be completed.  This may then involve a subsequent ballot to amend the agreement.

This is a significant wages deal and I believe the outcome gives our members a real wage adjustment and recognises the professional contribution we all make to the delivery of Government services.  There are also many agreed improvements to entitlements and a further summary will be prepared and circulated ASAP.

I'd like to pay a personal tribute to all the delegates and reps who have contributed and to all our members who provided their ideas.  I'd also like to thank all those representing the State Government during these talks.

Enjoy a well deserved break this festive season.
 

KAREN BATT
CPSU Victorian Branch Secretary / Federal Secretary

Thursday 17th December 2015