Enterprise Bargaining Staff Feedback
As we work towards new enterprise agreements we value feedback and welcome any questions from staff.
Please complete the Enterprise Bargaining Feedback Form and we will respond via email.
Further, as themes are identified in any questions submitted, they will be added to the list below.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will enterprise bargaining commence?
At this stage, it is expected that enterprise bargaining with both the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) will commence in February 2013.
How long will enterprise bargaining take?
The University and the NTEU and CPSU are keen to ensure that enterprise bargaining is conducted in a timely manner. At this stage, it is anticipated that meetings will be held fortnightly with a view to finalising new enterprise agreements as soon as practicable.
Why does enterprise bargaining take so long?
Enterprise agreements are in place for a number of years, so it is important to take the time to make sure that the agreements achieve the best possible outcome for staff and the University. Generally there are a number of things bargaining parties agree on quite quickly whilst others take further discussion, consideration and negotiation before reaching agreement.
What is the process for making an enterprise agreement?
Comprehensive information about the process of making an enterprise agreement can be found on the Fair Work Commission website (opens in a new window).
What was discussed in the staff information sessions in December 2012?
Enterprise Agreement Information Sessions were held on all campuses in December 2012 to give staff an overview of the enterprise bargaining process as well as provide an opportunity for staff to submit feedback on the existing enterprise agreements, and tell us what areas are most important to them. Some great feedback was received and this has been passed on to the steering committee.
Further staff information sessions will be scheduled throughout the enterprise bargaining process, and all staff will receive an email invitation to attend.
Can I provide input in the meantime?
Yes – please submit any comments or questions using the online feedback form. All comments provided through this form will be sent to the UWS Enterprise Agreements Bargaining Team. Feedback can also be provided at the staff information sessions that will be held throughout the enterprise bargaining process.
What are some of the main areas covered in the enterprise agreements?
Areas covered by the enterprise agreements include leave entitlements, pay, workload and change management.
You can access the current UWS Academic Staff Agreement and UWS General Staff Agreement on the UWS Enterprise Agreements page.
How can I keep up to date with the process?
Regular updates and meeting summaries will be published on this website. We will email brief updates which point back to this site for more information throughout. You will also be invited to attend staff information sessions on campus.
What will be the length of the new agreement?
The length of the agreement will be determined during the enterprise bargaining process. Under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), the maximum duration of an enterprise agreement is four years from the date on which it is approved by the Fair Work Commission.
What happens from now until the agreement is reached?
The 2009–2012 enterprise agreements will remain effective until the new agreements commence.
What is protected industrial action?
Protected industrial action is industrial action that can be lawfully undertaken, and has been agreed to in a Protected Action Ballot.
What types of protected industrial action were proposed?
The following types of protected industrial action were proposed in the NTEU’s Application:
- five minute stoppages of work
- one hour stoppages of work
- one day stoppages of work
- bans or partial bans on the recording or transmission of assessment results
- bans or partial bans by professional staff on working overtime (including for TIL) or working outside the span of hours
- bans or partial bans on responding to enquiries, including by phone, email or in person
- bans or partial bans on the use of online systems including but not limited to vUWS, Callista, Platform web and MySR.
What is a Protected Action Ballot Order?
A Protected Action Ballot Order requires a Protected Action Ballot to be conducted to determine whether the majority of employees covered by an enterprise agreement wish to engage in protected industrial action. To be successful in authorising protected action, at least 50% of employees need to participate and more than 50% of votes must be in favour of industrial action.
What is pattern bargaining?
Pattern bargaining occurs when a union bargaining representative seeks common enterprise agreement terms with two or more employers.
