Merry Christmas for General Staff at Macquarie Uni

Staff at Macquarie University yesterday voted to accept a new Enterprise Agreement that includes a 19% pay rise and 26 weeks parental leave for the primary carer at full pay.

The deal, negotiated between Macquarie University and the General Staff Union at Macquarie Uni, the Community and Public Sector Union, also includes a $750 sign on bonus that will be paid before Christmas.

CPSU Industrial Officer Glenn Conroy said "This deal puts Macquarie University on par with the conditions gained for General Staff at Sydney University and UTS. This has been the result of 18 months of negotiations, drawn out by the Federal Government's unwarranted and ultimately unsuccessful effort in late 2003 to interfere with University industrial relations."

The new deal provides for:

• 19% pay rise, or 20.4% cumulative, for an agreement that expires on 30 June 2006
• Parental Leave for the primary carer increased to 26 weeks at full pay
• Improved managing change and consultation clause
• Casual loading increased to 23%
• Conversion for casual staff who can demonstrate regular and systematic work for over 12 months

Mr Conroy concluded "We will be pursuing certification of the Agreement as soon as possible so that General Staff can enjoy the benefits of their hard work and dedication."