Thank you to everyone who filled in a survey over the last month and a half. An unprecedented number of team members from all ports responded to the survey telling us what improvements you want in your next EBA.
So far, employees are telling us that some of the main issues they want addressed are:
- Fairer rostering arrangements;
- Increased safety at work, including better consultation about the work that you do and privacy for employees who need to access their sick leave;
- Better access to all forms of leave; and,
- Pay that properly reflects the work you do.
Organisers will be coming back to members with a rundown of the survey results and the claims that we think should be made as a result of what you have told us – in some places we will be having meetings so make sure you make time to ensure your opinion on this important part of the process is known.
Next steps
VA needs to issue the Notice of Employee Representational Rights (‘the NERR’).
The Fair Work Act requires VA to provide all employees who are to be covered by, or, proposed to be covered by your EBA with a letter outlining your rights. We anticipate receipt of that letter before 25 February 2020.
Negotiators of EBAs are called “bargaining representatives”.
Members of the ASU do not have to do anything about the appointment of a bargaining representative – the ASU is automatically your bargaining representative and the ASU Negotiating Team will be made up of ASU delegates and officials who will conduct the negotiations for ASU members.
You do not need to do anything. The NERR is a legal procedural notice advising people of their rights.