Australian National University Enterprise Agreement 2005-2008 (ANUEA 05-08)

Explanatory Notes

The University and the unions (parties to the Enterprise Agreement) have negotiated a new Enterprise Agreement. The current Enterprise Agreement is due to finish on 30 June 2006 and it is appropriate for its terms and conditions to continue to guide us beyond its expiry date to provide a stable base for planning.

On 17 November 2004 staff attended a meeting where the Vice-Chancellor addressed the recent Quality Review of research and educational outcomes, and the strategic directions it suggests for the ANU. He also commented on the changing external environment in which the University must remain competitive. In 2005 the University commences a new planning phase and, to facilitate that, it is important for the University to have a stable base over the next few years.

The proposed Enterprise Agreement will run for 3 years from certification by the Australian Industrial Relations Commission. The terms and conditions of the current ANU Enterprise Agreement 2003-2006 have been, in the main, rolled over into the proposed Agreement. While the full document is available at http://info.anu.edu.au/hr/Salaries_and_Conditions/Enterprise_Agreement/2005-2008/index.asp, these Explanatory Notes provide an outline of the changes.

Due to a decision of the High Court of Australia, changes were required to several clauses. These are legal drafting requirements that prevent the Australian Industrial Relations Commission from certifying agreements that include matters that do not relate directly to the employment relationship. For this reason, changes have been made to clauses 23 (Salary Sacrificing), 25 (Payment of Salaries), 46 (Indigenous Employment), 71 (Staff Representation), 72 (Staff Training Courses), and the previous clause 60 (Contracting of General Staff Services and Labour) has been deleted and relevant parts of this clause have been incorporated elsewhere in the Agreement (see Clause 61 and Schedule 6). These changes have been made in close consultation with the unions' legal areas.

Key Changes to the Current Enterprise Agreement

The proposed Enterprise Agreement incorporates the following matters:

Salaries (Clause 20 and Schedule 3)

In addition to the 6% salary increase due from 17 November 2005, the new Agreement will provide:

• a 6% salary increase in November 2006; and
• a 2% salary increase in November 2007 plus, at the same time, an additional increase based on the University's capacity to pay.

Any additional payment will be made following a financial assessment and will have regard for the University's capacity to pay, market competitiveness of salaries, and growth in revenue, especially from sources that give rise to discretionary (untied) income.

General staff recruitment and engagement (Clause 14)

There has been further clarification of the arrangements for the transfer of staff seeking redeployment, prior to recruitment action. The Director, Human Resources may facilitate transfer of staff within the University where they have suitable skills and experience, without the requirement for recruitment action.

Probation (Clause 18)

The authority to annul a staff member's appointment during a probationary period has also been brought into line with the University's other termination delegations.

Payment of Casual Staff (Clause 20)

As an outcome of the national casuals award case, payment of casual staff will be made within 22 days of submitting a valid and complete claim for payment.

Superannuation (Clause 22)

The Agreement clarifies UniSuper as the preferred superannuation provider, while allowing staff members to continue contributions to the Commonwealth Superannuation Scheme (CSS) or the Public Sector Superannuation (PSS).

Personal Leave (Clause 36)

In relation to taking personal leave for the purpose of attending a significant cultural event, 4 weeks' notice will normally be required to allow the work area to make appropriate staffing arrangements to cover the absence if necessary.

Job Security (Clause 59)

The parties will agree on a timely and effective consultation process for introducing major organisational or major structural change.