RTBU-PacNat Member's EBA 2006 Update Newsflash! 61

RTBU Delegates Consider New Union Collective Agreement Proposal

As reported in Newsflash! 60, there is a new opportunity to undertake negotiations with Pacific National, now the ownership issue has been resolved and new leadership installed. Last week, and again yesterday afternoon, senior RTBU Officials and Pacific National Managers held discussions about the way forward for all parties. The meetings were positive, with both confirming their commitment to finalising the negotiations in a timely manner, in order to provide security and certainty for members.

The company has indicated its strong preference for separate Business Division negotiations.

The parties agree there should be a defined timeframe put in place to finalise the new negotiations, which is September 30, 2006. It is as important to the RTBU as it is to the company to adhere to the timeframe. For various reasons, many of them beyond the control of the RTBU and its members, this process has dragged on for far too long.

The RTBU had committed to, and has provided the company with a list of the common issues which would apply to any negotiations. We also advised we would conduct a telephone hook up with the national delegates. That hook up took place on Monday afternoon. The delegates on the hook up have given their endorsement to continue to hold 'in principle' discussions with the company about the concept of separate Business Division negotiations. Let's be clear: At this stage there is no agreement by your Union that separate negotiations will be the format. We have only agreed to talk about the concept.

The delegate's endorsement has been given on the proviso the company agrees to support a delegate's conference as soon as possible. The purpose of the conference is for the company to explain their reasoning on the benefits of separate negotiations, and for the delegates to have an opportunity to ask the appropriate questions. The company has agreed to support the delegate conference and the parties are currently liaising about the details.

Wage Increase and Back Pay

RTBU has been vigorously pursuing the promised wage increase and back pay for members. We are pleased to be able to report progress in this area. The company has committed to providing a 4% wage increase, to apply from October 2005. Then, following the finalisation of the new negotiations, the negotiated further wage increase will apply from, and back paid to July 1, 2006. It is important to note the company has stated that the payment of the 4% wage increase from October 2005 and the back pay are subject to the RTBU agreeing to separate Business Division negotiations. The RTBU has made it clear; an absolute commitment to the concept of separate negotiations cannot and will not be given prior to the delegate conference taking place.

Next Steps:

Given the nature and length of negotiations in the past, we believe the latest developments are a positive way forward. We will continue to proceed with our membership at the centre of all decision making processes. Any decision to accept or reject the proposals put forward will ultimately be made through your representatives, so keep talking to them.

As any further developments occur, members will be advised through local RTBU delegates, depot meetings, national hook ups and through future RTBU Newsflashes.

Further Information:

Members will continue to be kept informed of any significant developments through future editions of your Newsflashes. For further information on issues regarding the Enterprise Agreement negotiations please contact your local RTBU delegate, your respective RTBU State Branch or the National Office.

Newsflash!@Home:

If you would like to receive future EBA Newsflashes to your personal home email please email Greg Harvey at gharvey@rtbu-nat.asn.au with your name, your location, your classification and your email address and you will be added to the email list.

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