CPSU Newcastle -- positive changes in draft clauses

The CPSU is once again leading the way in achieving a general staff enterprise agreement that delivers real benefits to members.

The parties have reached in principle agreement on four draft clauses. They are Managing Change, Mediation, Dispute Resolution and the General Staff Consultative Committee.

The new Managing Change clause is based on the original CPSU claim endorsed by members. Benefits include:

• A new definition of when a staff member is affected by change to cover potential adverse impact on "employment and career prospects" and the definition of workplace change clearly defined and broadened to provide greater protection to members.
• An obligation on the University to undertake workplace change "fairly".
• Redundancies can only be used as a last resort and a commitment to training and development as a means of avoiding redundancies.
• Consultation on change to take place with staff and the CPSU when change is first identified and the University is obliged to work towards "mutually acceptable solutions or alternatives" with the Union.
• Workplace change proposals must be outlined in a detailed discussion paper and to include a cost benefit analysis and workload, EEO and OH&S implications.
• Clear timeframes for union members to consider proposals and respond. The University must also try and reach a "mutually acceptable change proposal" or a "consensus" with the CPSU that change may not be necessary. The University must work with the Union to avert job losses. The CPSU has improved the existing Mediation clause allowing for grievances to be dealt with under the enterprise agreement and in the Industrial Relations Commission.

The CPSU has improved the already comprehensive disputes resolution clause allowing union members access to the Industrial Relations Commission.

Remember the CPSU is the largest and most experienced general staff union on campus and will only work for the interests of general staff. Our bargaining strategy is driven and determined by the interest of members at Newcastle.

Branch contacts
Ron Hunter, Organiser, 4921 5868, cpsu@newcastle.edu.au

Delegates
Susan Eade, 4921 2017
Trevor White, 4921 5662
David Cater, 4921 5847,
Loraine Haywood, 4921 6904
Ric Paton, 4348 4290

CPSU
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