AIRC CERTIFIES NEWCASTLE UNIVERSITY AGREEMENT

The AIRC today certified the University of Newcastle General Staff Enterprise Agreement that provides for 26 weeks paid parental leave.

The CPSU negotiated agreement is the first regional University agreement certified in NSW. The agreement expires on 30 June 2006 and delivers a 16.8% (18% cumulative) pay increase, a range of work/life initiatives and contracting out and union rights protections that comply with Electrolux.

2% has been backdated to 1 March 2004, another 2% from 1 September 2004 and 2.5% will be paid from 1 March 2005.

The 26 weeks paid parental leave is an entitlement available to all eligible general staff, including casual and fixed term staff, for the birth, adoption or fostering of a child.

CPSU Senior Industrial Officer, Andrew Holland, said: "This is a good agreement for staff. The CPSU has ensured that staff continue to enjoy excellent conditions. It is significant that Newcastle is the first University in regional NSW that has agreed to 26 weeks paid parental leave and credit can be given to the University who bargained in good faith. The CPSU aims to enshrine at least 26 weeks leave as a minimum in Australian Universities."

The agreement also provides for:

• Partner leave of two weeks that can be taken up to six months after a child is born or placed,
• Career protections for staff with parenting obligations, including right of return, and the right to access flex time and job share arrangements,
• 25 days per year paid personal leave that can be used for, amongst other purposes, illness, caring for a family member, bereavement, emergencies, cultural events and moving house,
• Conversion for casuals to permanency after 12 months regular and systematic work,
• Limits on outsourcing and consultation obligations on all staffing changes,
• Prohibition on suspension without pay.