Sydney University -- 10-16% over 2 years

PSA members at Sydney University have given in principle approval to a Heads of Agreement for a new Enterprise Development Agreement which proposes pay rises of 10-16% over the next two years.

The proposed pay increases are: $1,850 p.a. flat amount from 3 January 1997; 2 percent from 1 September 1997; 2 percent from 1 January 1998; 2.5 percent from 1 October 1998.

That's 16% for those on $21,063, the lowest rate, and 10.3% for those on $53,854, the highest rate. The average increase will be 12%.

The Heads of Agreement is just the starting point. The agreement is still to be fully negotiated and drafted, and there some proposals from the university with which we don't agree.

Sydney University intends to raise some of the money by vigorously promoting its commercial activities.

As well as PSA members giving in principle approval, the other general staff union at Sydney Uni, the Health & Research Employees Association, has also given in principle approval.