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There are several industrial unions at the University of Newcastle and some confusion, particularly amongst new staff, on just who and what each union represents, and why you should join
The General Staff Union
Exclusively the General Staff – professional, administrative, clerical, technical, library, research, student support, security, craftsmen and tradesmen employees of the University of Newcastle. We are here for you!
The Community and Public Sector Union or “CPSU”, federally-registered, covers universities and federal public sector employees. The CPSU is the specialist union representing the general staff in universities and works exclusively to advance general staff interests, collectively and individually. The CPSU is also the largest university general staff union in Australia, with delegate networks across the sector. The Public Service Association of NSW or “PSA”, state-registered, covers NSW state and public sector employees. You get two unions and pay only one fee.
We’ve been here from the start. The PSA/CPSU has had coverage of general staff here since Newcastle University’s foundation in the 1960s. We have a long history, close to a century of cumulative industrial experience in Australian universities.
We are a grassroots union. We are proud of our strong democratic structure: the local branch works wholly and solely to protect the interests and working conditions of the General Staff at the University of Newcastle. General Staff Members, supported by advice from industrial staff of the union, are responsible for debating and reaching decisions on all important issues. This independence was amply demonstrated in the recently concluded Enterprise Agreement where Newcastle general staff decided by democratic vote on a different mix in their salary increase from that recommended by the academics union.
We know the University from the inside out. The local CPSU Branch operates through a cohort of active delegates and contact people who are experienced general staff members of the University spread throughout the various faculties, units and entities of the University, providing vital localised information on current industrial issues. Branch delegates have been major negotiators in all six EB rounds to date and will ensure the best outcome for general staff in the future. The wording of many of the conditions clauses common to the General Staff, Academic and Teachers Agreements is based on drafts originally submitted by the CPSU bargaining team during General Staff bargaining, that’s how good they are! The local branch is complemented by a local union organiser (a former general staff member of the university) and by widely experienced industrial staff at PSA/CPSU headquarters in Sydney.
In addition to representing staff in industrial issues CPSU membership also provides value-added services and benefits such as:
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Advice on your rights and entitlements simply by contacting your union or workplace delegate |
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A way to be involved in decision-making in the workplace regarding your employment conditions |
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Help gaining permanency if you are temporary or casual |
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Assistance with grievances and disputes |
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Assistance from staff specialised in women's and indigenous employment issues, workers' compensation, occupational health and safety |
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Free trade union training courses, and |
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a range of union-sponsored value-added non-industrial services. |
Download PDF version
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We will be utilising this site as a means of communication with Members and keeping you up to date with General Staff issues, Union Matters and the GSCC.
As well it's a good place to check out what is happening at other Universities.
We are also planning to run an educational campaign: "Know your Rights - EB6, Let's work it!" which will focus on what's new in our Enterprise Agreement 2010 (EA 2010).
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Trevor White, past President of the Newcastle CPSU Branch and HERC retired from the University on the 20th of June 2011 after 34 years of service. We acknowledge his many achievements to the Union movement in Newcastle and the Higher Education Sector.
Trevor White (right) with Senior Industrial Officer Andrew Holland
We wish him all the best in his future endeavours & adventures.
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