NIB HEALTH FUNDS MEMBERS: 2009 COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT UPDATE
By Jodie Harrison
USU Organiser
Nov 27, 2009
The USU and your elected representatives met with the Management Committee on October 8, 2009 to further negotiate terms for the collective agreement which was due to come into place on October 1, 2009. Both parties supplied strong supporting arguments for their relative positions and "common ground" was finally found with the following increases being agreed upon:
WAGE INCREASE Upon registration of agreement: 3% back dated to 1st full pay period after 1 Oct 2009 1st full pay period after 1 Oct 2010: 3% or CPI whichever is higher 1st full pay period after 1 Oct 2011: 3% or CPI whichever is higher
CALL CENTRE SALARY STRUCTURE Introduction of a tiered classification structure to allow advancement following the acquisition and utilisation of extra skills.
INCREASE IN REDUNDANCY PROVISIONS Increase in current redundancy provisions for staff in “remote” areas unable to participate in the Redeployment Policy.
OTHER ISSUES The following matters which also appeared on the USU’s Log of Claims were addressed during negotiations:
Corporate Health and Fitness options- management has undertaken to investigate
Reserved Child Care places/ work crèche – management continue to research
opportunities in this area.
Consultation/ communication- management have stated they are looking to improve in these areas
Review of Parental Leave provisions- these will remain “as is” with NIB preferring to wait for the introduction of the Federal Government scheme announced in the 2009 Federal budget, which comes into force from 1 January 2011.
SO what happens now? A draft agreement is being prepared and all employees covered by the Agreement must have the opportunity to read this agreement before it is put to the vote.
Then it is up to you.
Do you feel this proposal is adequate? Does it meet your expectations? If it does vote YES If it doesn’t you have the right to vote NO.
If a majority (ie, more than 50%) of those who cast a vote accept the agreement the new terms and conditions will come into force seven days after the document is registered by Fair Work Australia.
If a majority vote “no” then the committees will need to re-convene to negotiate a package which will meet with your approval.
For further information, please contact your delegate, Marilyn Timmins on 4914 1899, or USU Officials Paul Sansom 0409 076 633 or Jodie Harrison 0419 761 318.
Are your workmates USU members? Talk to them about why you are a USU member, and encourage them to be part of the collective power of the Union!
