Newcastle newspapers: Your Agreement Signed, Sealed and Delivered!
By Paul Sansom
USU Organiser
Jun 30, 2009
Good pay increases, industrial security, better travel rates and better uniform allowances!
The agreement covering your working conditions has been registered with the Australian Workplace Authority, and given the tight economic times we are now encountering, your USU representatives were able to negotiate a very competitive 3 year agreement, with pay increases of 3.00% per year - the first backdated to 1 January 2009 - has already been passed on. As well as the guaranteed 3.00% increases a further 1.50% increase on 1 November 2011, is achievable, based on overall staff performance and an improving economic climate.
One of the key benefits of the new agreement is that it is actually an extended Preserved State Agreement. This means that any disputes about the agreement will be dealt with by the NSW Industrial Relations Commission. This is a fantastic outcome, because although it’s true that the Labor Federal Government has brought in the Fair Work legislation which is an improvement on WorkChoices, the NSW industrial relations system is still quicker, clearer and more definitive than the federal system.
Other improvements we were able achieve for our members throughout the negotiations were that travel expenses now reflect the Australian Taxation Office’s per kilometre rate, and that the uniform allowance has been changed so that it’s no longer capped at a dollar amount – it now provides for a number of items. This allows for the fact that women’s uniform items generally cost more than men’s items.
Newcastle Herald management has also agreed to investigate options for banking annual leave during the life of the agreement. This investigation must be undertaken by 1 October 2010.
If you have any questions about what the new agreement means for you, contact one of your delegates Shayne Baird, Catherine Hamilton or Grahame Marjoribanks. Or you can contact your USU Officials Paul Sansom 0409 076 633, Jodie Harrison 0419 761 318 or in the Newcastle USU office 4962 1444.
Contact:
USU Support Team
1300 136 604
Top of Page
|
