Union calls on Services Australia to change approach as negotiations continue
- Replies 88
In a tumultuous year of changes, disruptions, and confusion, it’s no surprise to see people standing up for their rights and demanding better wages.
Given the vital role that Services Australia plays in propping up many Australians during more challenging times, it may come as a surprise that their staff are the ones in need of help this time.
At present, these workers are being offered a 10.5 per cent pay rise over three years in return for enhanced job security and workplace reforms.
However, the Commonwealth Public Sector Union (CPSU), which represents Services Australia staff, rejected this and is demanding a 20 per cent raise instead.
The union has also opposed changes proposed by Services Australia, which it claims 'would cut existing employee rights'. These changes reportedly affect rostering negotiations, agency performance obligations, and call monitoring.
CPSU National Secretary Melissa Donelly has put pressure on the government, pointing out that the reforms and claims proposed by Services Australia 'stand in stark contrast' with reforms and shares from other agencies.
‘CPSU members have been clear from the start—they want a pay rise that is on time, and they want to protect existing entitlements,’ she said.
‘Services Australia risk missing a valuable opportunity to rebuild and restore workplaces after years of attacks on pay and conditions.’
‘Attacking employees’ working conditions and rights is not only out of step with every other conversation happening across the APS, but it is out of step with the goals and commitments made by the Albanese Labor Government.
‘Our members in Services Australia have already been through so much and are calling on Services Australia to abandon this current approach.’
Donnelly also reiterated their stance, stressing that Services Australia is lagging behind its peers in progress.
'While the APSC (Australian Public Service Commission) and other agencies are generally taking a collaborative and positive approach to bargaining, Services Australia management seem to be stuck in the past with their agenda of cuts,’ she said.
‘No other agency has proposed cuts in this round of bargaining.'
Source: Facebook/CPSU - Community and Public Sector Union
On Tuesday, August 15, the staff of Services Australia took part in a one-hour work stoppage as a show of force.
This comes at the heels of weeks of action from CPSU, including protected industrial action through refusal to use codes that would enable higher-ups to track workers’ tasks.
Such an action would need approval from the Fair Work Commission and will be subject to a staff vote. The CPSU has satisfied these prerequisites.
Meanwhile, Services Australia spokesperson Hank Jongen said Services Australia was prepared for worker stoppages as negotiations continue.
‘The recent auxiliary code ban had no impact on our services or customer payments, and we don’t expect this will either,’ he said.
‘We are committed to the bargaining process being as simple as possible for everyone and are taking a collaborative, problem-solving approach to the matters raised through bargaining.’
‘Services Australia is regularly engaging with the APSC as bargaining progresses.’
We understand that it's vital to protect the rights of all workers—especially those in the public sector—as they are essential to the continuing functioning of our society.
We hope all parties involved can settle amicably.
So, members: what are your thoughts on this? If you’ve had experience working for the government, what can you say about the union’s requests? Tell us below!
Given the vital role that Services Australia plays in propping up many Australians during more challenging times, it may come as a surprise that their staff are the ones in need of help this time.
At present, these workers are being offered a 10.5 per cent pay rise over three years in return for enhanced job security and workplace reforms.
A workers’ union is locked in intense negotiations with Services Australia over improved pay and other requests. Image Credit: Services Australia
However, the Commonwealth Public Sector Union (CPSU), which represents Services Australia staff, rejected this and is demanding a 20 per cent raise instead.
The union has also opposed changes proposed by Services Australia, which it claims 'would cut existing employee rights'. These changes reportedly affect rostering negotiations, agency performance obligations, and call monitoring.
CPSU National Secretary Melissa Donelly has put pressure on the government, pointing out that the reforms and claims proposed by Services Australia 'stand in stark contrast' with reforms and shares from other agencies.
‘CPSU members have been clear from the start—they want a pay rise that is on time, and they want to protect existing entitlements,’ she said.
‘Services Australia risk missing a valuable opportunity to rebuild and restore workplaces after years of attacks on pay and conditions.’
‘Attacking employees’ working conditions and rights is not only out of step with every other conversation happening across the APS, but it is out of step with the goals and commitments made by the Albanese Labor Government.
‘Our members in Services Australia have already been through so much and are calling on Services Australia to abandon this current approach.’
Donnelly also reiterated their stance, stressing that Services Australia is lagging behind its peers in progress.
'While the APSC (Australian Public Service Commission) and other agencies are generally taking a collaborative and positive approach to bargaining, Services Australia management seem to be stuck in the past with their agenda of cuts,’ she said.
‘No other agency has proposed cuts in this round of bargaining.'
Source: Facebook/CPSU - Community and Public Sector Union
On Tuesday, August 15, the staff of Services Australia took part in a one-hour work stoppage as a show of force.
This comes at the heels of weeks of action from CPSU, including protected industrial action through refusal to use codes that would enable higher-ups to track workers’ tasks.
Such an action would need approval from the Fair Work Commission and will be subject to a staff vote. The CPSU has satisfied these prerequisites.
Meanwhile, Services Australia spokesperson Hank Jongen said Services Australia was prepared for worker stoppages as negotiations continue.
‘The recent auxiliary code ban had no impact on our services or customer payments, and we don’t expect this will either,’ he said.
‘We are committed to the bargaining process being as simple as possible for everyone and are taking a collaborative, problem-solving approach to the matters raised through bargaining.’
‘Services Australia is regularly engaging with the APSC as bargaining progresses.’
We understand that it's vital to protect the rights of all workers—especially those in the public sector—as they are essential to the continuing functioning of our society.
We hope all parties involved can settle amicably.
So, members: what are your thoughts on this? If you’ve had experience working for the government, what can you say about the union’s requests? Tell us below!
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