The University of Sydney Campus Backbone - Newsletter 7

Welcome to the new e-bulletin format of the USYD Campus Backbone!

The e-bulletin is intended to provide a more accessible  format for members to keep up to date with their union’s activities. A print friendly version of the Newsletter is available here for members to put up in their office and to hand out to colleagues.

Annual General Meeting
Thanks to all members who attended the CPSU University of Sydney branch AGM which was held on Tuesday 11 May (minutes can be found here). At the AGM a number of new members stepped forward to take up roles as delegates and committee members. The CPSU branch welcomes its new members, welcomes back its existing members and looks forward to a constructive year of working together to ensure the voice of General Staff is heard across the University.

Committee Members elected for 2010-2011 are:

HERC Delegates
David Brown, Christine Marshall, Grant Wheeler.

The branch is pleased to see that the incoming committee members will expand the CPSU’s representation into a number of new departments and locations across the the University. A number of positions are still available for any members who are interested in being involved. Please contact Branch President Dave Brown or your CPSU organiser Aaron Jones for more information.

Green Paper
The CPSU Branch prepared a submission to the University’s strategic planning exercise known as the “Green Paper”. The submission, along with a CPSU prepared summary, is available for members to read on the General Staff Union website.

Committee members attended the “roundtable” workshops held on May 24 and 25. The University announced 7 revised “themes” for its thinking which may be summarised as: “holding each other accountable”; “conducting the best teaching and research”; “attracting the best students”; “attracting the best staff”; “embracing communities”; “developing top quality support services”;  and “developing the physical and digital infrastructure”. The format was rather rigid and guided, with mixed outcomes reported by committee members. The CPSU will continue to consult with the University prior to the White Paper being finalised.

Personal staff comments may be submitted to white.paper@sydney.edu.au.

Shared Services
A major component of the University’s Green Paper is the intent to reduce duplication in administration and services through increasing the use of shared services. Such a move is likely to have a significant impact on the nature of the work carried out by General Staff and potentially the number of General Staff positions within the University. In order for the CPSU to take an informed stance based on the feelings of its members, we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to complete the CPSU’s survey on shared services and pass it on to your General Staff colleagues.

Christmas Closedown Arrangements for 2010 and 2011
The CPSU has passed on its endorsement of the propossed Christmas Closedown Arrangements for 2010 and 2011 to the University. Following a survey of members which found an overwhelming support for the proposed arrangements, a members vote at the AGM formally endorsed the position. The CPSU has noted concerns raised by a number of members and will ensure they are passed on to the University in further consultation. Thanks to all those who participated in the survey to help guide the union’s position.

Library Sub-branch
Following a request from the CPSU Library sub-branch the Librarian has agreed to reinstate regular consultative meetings between the unions and library management with the first taking place on June 8 The request was instigated by the CPSU due to the ongoing uncertainties surrounding the operational and funding structures of the University’s libraries. It is hoped that these meetings will act as an effective avenue for Library staff members to ensure that their input and concerns are addressed. Members can contact Library Sub-branch members Grant Wheeler or Jacquie Hicks if they would like further information.

Performance Management and Development
The Branch has received notice from the University of a proposed review of the PM+D process. The initial review involves an alignment of the existing arrangements with those set out in the Enterprise Agreement. A more comprehensive review is proposed for the second half of this year with the expectation that a new policy will be introduced in 2011. The CPSU intends to take an active roll in facilitating members involevement in this process as a number of aspects of the current PM&D process have been identified by members as being less than ideal. The Branch will keep members informed of proceedings and look to hold a meeting on the issue once details have been confirmed.

Help us build the General Staff network
Do you have any colleagues who are interested in receiving the Campus Backbone bulletin? Forward this edition and members can click here to add their email to the Campus Backbone mailing list.

Workchoices. Never Again
The ACTU has launched a new campaign in the lead up to the Federal election called - Workchoice. Never Again. The campaign aims to reinforce the principles that were supported during the Your Rights at Work Campaign and to ensure that a fair industrial relations system remains a priority within the Australian political landscape. Such a campaign should resonate well with workers in the University sector who bore the brunt of the previous government’s industrial relations policy though the Higher Education Workplace Reform Requirements. You can find out more information, register your support and get involved at www.neveragain.org.au.

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