Macquarie University CPSU Bargaining Report

RAISING THE BAR: CPSU CLOSE TO SECURING BETTER REDEPLOYMENT AND REDUNDANCY RIGHTS

The CPSU is close to reaching an agreement with Macquarie University on better redeployment and redundancy rights for university staff including a new $1000 outplacement support program for staff facing retrenchment.

The University has given in principle support to key elements of the CPSU’s claim including:

• A ‘job swap’ process that allows a voluntary exchange of positions between a ‘redundant’ position holder and a continuing staff member who has indicated they may accept a voluntary redundancy.

• New ‘priority consideration’ arrangements for the placement of staff seeking redeployment.

• Redeployment to a lower graded position by agreement only.

• Stronger redundancy review rights including new powers to overturn a decision to declare a position redundant.

• $1000 outplacement support package for retrenched staff.

CPSU negotiator, Phoebe Dangerfield, said ‘there are still a couple of minor wording issues to resolve but we’re hopeful of finalising an improved redeployment and redundancy clause at our next meeting.’

UNIONS DRIVE NEW SUSTAINABILITY MEASURES IN EBA

Environmental planning, sustainable work practices and better consultation form the central elements of a new environmental sustainability package jointly negotiated by the staff unions.

The new sustainability measures mean that for the first time at Macquarie University the environment enters the purview of employment relations in a meaningful way.

CPSU Branch President, Greg Stark, observed ‘to their credit the University were always open to negotiating with us around environmental sustainability.’

‘With this clause we’ve set up strong consultative arrangements, raised University accountability, established a solid platform for future improvements, and hopefully raised employee awareness as well.’

Copies of all CPSU clauses are available and we welcome your comments and suggestions - contact a bargaining member or email cpsumq@gmail.com.

CPSU The General Staff Union – United we bargain, divide we beg!

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