Enterprise Bargaining

PROGRESS TO DATE: MEETING: (30 April & 1 May 2013)

Professor Robyn McGuiggan again led the negotiations at a 2 day meeting held in Townsville. Both parties expressed their commitment to try and reach agreement by the end of May 2013. It was agreed that further meetings would be scheduled for 14 May 2013 and 29 and 30 May 2013 to expedite this process.

Allowances

Mr Blaise Allen, Associate Director, Work Health and Safety attended the meeting to provide an outline on the current Work Health and Safety obligations and legislation to assist parties to consider the claim from the NTEU on Allowances i.e. First Aid, Building Safety & Work Health and Safety Duties Allowance.

Fixed Term Employment

The NTEU representatives continue to consider JCU’s claim to give notice to end a fixed term appointment early in cases where external funding is withdrawn or for replacement appointments where the substantive incumbent may return early i.e. maternity leave replacement, secondments etc.

The claim to include additional Fixed-Term Use category for “Unanticipated Increase to Enrolments” was agreed.

Academic Workforce issues

• Casual conversion

Professor McGuiggan expressed concern with the NTEU’s claim for 20% of the EFT for casual academic staff positions to be converted to new continuing positions, particularly in light of the current financial position of the University. Both parties presented their views on this matter however agreement was not able to be reached at this meeting.

• Academic Workloads

Your JCU representatives tabled a redrafted clause on Academic Workloads. The NTEU have committed to consult with membership. This item will be set for further discussion at the next meeting.

• Special Studies Program (SSP)

A draft SSP clause was tabled by your JCU representatives. The updated clause reflects overarching principles and removes the detail which will be dealt with under the SSP Policy and Procedures. Both parties will consider comments from discussion and this clause will be revisited after consultation at the next meeting.

Further clauses tabled for discussion which were agreed in principle at this meeting were:

• Resolving Workplace Grievances and Complaints

• Individual Flexibility Agreements

• Performance Management Framework

• Managing Underperformance

The next meeting will be held in Townsville on 14 May 2013.

Remember this is your Enterprise Agreement and your input is valued. You can forward your feedback to Enterprise-Bargaining@jcu.edu.au.