At our last meeting CPSU members indicated support for the proposed Agreement, providing that SLV wrote to the union regarding its intentions on rostering.

CPSU is pleased to advise that this matter has now been resolved as an equivalent protection has been secured in the form of the Library communicating, in writing, directly with Commissioner Smith and provided the following assurance.

"This is to confirm our conversation today, in which I indicated that the Library will seek to provide certain clarifying comments in relation to the potential changes to the State Library of Victoria Enterprise Partnership Agreement, when it ultimately is heard by the Commission under an "extend and vary" application.

In particular, the Library will make the following comments in relation to changes which introduce a new clause, "Roster Principles and Job Design":

In introducing the new clause we have been seeking to better describe appropriate rostering principles. To be clear, there is no intention to make changes to the custom and practice in relation to rostering.

Should there be any proposed changes to existing custom and practice this would be considered significant change for the purpose of the agreement and subject to the processes under the agreement including arbitration by FWA"

Rostering
The Agreement contains a new clause that will preserve librarian, and library, technicians current custom and practice, and provide an improved fair and balanced approach to rosters for all staff. 

Payments

1. 0.8 % bonus ( based on annual salary at 4th May 2009)
2. 2% pay increase on backdated to 1 July 2009
3. 1.25% pay increase on 1 February 2010
4. 3.25% pay increase on 1 October 2010

VPS Grade 1
Removal of the first 4 increment points of Grade 1, so that employees start at a minimum of VPS G5 effective 4 May 2009

Discipline
Improvement to clause, separating underperformance from misconduct with an emphasis on remedial action

Long Service Leave
Recognition of prior service with other Australian Public Services, the Victorian Public Sector, and local governing bodies. Conversion of entitlement to hours and increased flexibility on how leave may be taken

Parental Leave
Paid parental leave will be exclusive of public holidays.

Women who reduce their time fraction to better cope with pregnancy will have their leave paid at their substantive time fraction. The parties will review the impact of the Federal government’s paid scheme during the life of the Agreement.

Addition of Grandparent leave and improvements in Permanent Care leave.

Superannuation
Will be paid to employees aged 70 and over

Reviews

• The parties will be reviewing the VPS Classification Structure during the life of the Agreement. CPSU is committed to negotiating improvements in time for the next Agreement
• The parties will examine the introduction of a sick leave bank scheme

A ballot will be conducted following the formal government approval process. The pay rises are secure and are not at risk by any delays in this process.

Please contact Lynda Smerdon for further information on 9639 1822 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

JIM WALTON
Acting Victorian Branch Secretary

Friday 17 July 2009