Agreement & Local Group Elections Q&A s
Port Phillip Prison members rejected a new proposed Agreement recently and G4S have now decided to push ahead and are proposing to put the proposal to a ballot of all staff at the prison.

1. What s happened recently with the proposed enterprise agreement?

CPSU met with G4S management on Wednesday, October 27, at CPSU offices. At this meeting, CPSU formally advised G4S that as CPSU members had voted down the proposed enterprise agreement any proposed agreement needed to be improved to secure increased support.

G4S management stated that they wanted to put the proposed enterprise agreement out to wider ballot of all staff.

Under the Fair Work Act and despite the resignations of our local reps, CPSU is obliged to continue discussions with the Employer as non-participation in meetings could be considered a breach of ‘good faith bargaining.

There were further informal discussion on Friday, October 29, between CPSU officers and G4S management, with CPSU reiterating that the agreement in its current form was unacceptable.

G4S management stated they proposed meeting with staff and then proceeding to a ballot of all staff.


2. When will Port Phillip Prison have a new CPSU local group?

In order to maximise participation from all union members, and give all union members the opportunity to elect their local reps democratically, CPSU s rules give members a couple of weeks to nominate themselves as reps.

In a 24/7 work environment, where all union members cannot attend a workplace meeting, this is the fairest method.

Nominations close on Thursday 11 November 2010.

In the event an election is required for positions, a postal ballot would be conducted between Monday 15 November and Thursday 25 November 2010.

Ballots would then be counted on Friday 26 November 2010.

All new site reps will take office on Monday 29 November 2010.


3. When will there be another members meeting at Port Phillip Prison?

As a prison is a 24/7 work environment, CPSU cannot rely on workplace meetings alone to make decisions as not all members are able to attend such meetings.

It would be undemocratic.

Instead CPSU relies on our delegates staying in touch with members, along with regular email communications as well as direct mail to members home addresses if opinions are sought.

Members meetings are called on a ‘needs basis .

This is the approach across the Victorian prison system.

Some members have reported not receiving the CPSU s “Prison Blues” e – newsletter at Port Phillip Prison.

CPSU has taken this up with your employer, to ensure all members get union publications.

If you are still not receiving “Prison Blues” via email, at work, please notify the union office - enquiry@cpsuvic.org with your e-mail address.


4. If I get asked my opinion about the proposed enterprise agreement by management, does that mean I have to vote “Yes” later for the proposed enterprise agreement?

In a secret ballot, you can vote however you like.

If you don t wish to discuss the proposed enterprise agreement in a focus group, or individually, with management representatives, you should say that you would like some time to think about it, or that you like a union representative to be present for any discussions.


5. Can I send work documents, or emails, to my union?

YES, as your authorised industrial representative under the Fair Work Act, CPSU is able to read or check any documents and advise you.


6. How long do staff get to consider their vote for any proposed enterprise agreement?

The Fair Work Act requires that staff have 7 days (immediately prior to the vote) to consider the proposed agreement and that staff must be able to access a copy easily, as well as knowing the method of voting.

The employer must take reasonable steps to explain the terms of the agreement during this period.

If this does not occur, the agreement cannot be approved under the Fair Work Act.


Please contact either CPSU Organiser Geoff Drechsler by e-mail gdrechsler@cpsuvic.org or CPSU Team Leader Robert Laird by e-mail to rlaird@cpsuvic.org or call the office on 9639-1822 if you have any questions.

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

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.


CPSU - 125 in 2010.

When 1,000 colonial public servants crammed into the Athenaeum Hall in Collins Street on 17 June 1885 to form the Victorian Public Service Association they had no idea that we'd be still here and turning 125 this year.


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

Friday, 5 November 2010