The Community and Public Sector Union has warned that new Commonwealth bargaining proposals would weaken core workplace conditions, with the union adding it will continue to fight for a fair agreement that protects conditions and recognises the vital work public sector employees do.
With the clear backing of members, the CPSU has rejected any attempt to cut or reduce existing conditions.
The proposals target flex time arrangements, annual leave and working hours, with the CPSU warning these changes would leave public sector workers worse off.
Key concerns raised by the CPSU include:
- standardising annual leave at 20 days, which could reduce leave entitlements in some agencies;
- changes to working hours that could increase hours in around twenty agencies;
- weaker or standardised flex time provisions that would weaken access to existing arrangements; and
- rejection of CPSU claims to improve work-life balance and better recognise additional hours worked.
The CPSU says it will continue to work with the membership on bargaining, it will reject any proposal to weaken conditions, and says the Commonwealth needs to review its proposals to ensure that workers are not left worse off.
While the union has been ready to bargain since Easter, the Commonwealth only came to the table in July, and there is a long way to go to develop a package that members would be prepared to accept.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE TO REBECCA FAWCETT, CPSU NATIONAL SECRETARY
"Public sector workers should not be asked to give up conditions they have fought for and won.
"These proposals would reduce access to flex time and cut annual leave arrangements for some workers and extend working hours in parts of the public service. That is not a sensible approach to achieve commonality - it is a push to weaken conditions."
"CPSU members have been clear that protecting existing conditions is one of their highest priorities in this round of bargaining.
"The Australian Public Service Commission must go back to the drawing board, keep its hands-off workers' conditions, and deliver an agreement that improves rights at work and values the services trained and trusted public sector workers provide to the community."
