People and Culture

Enterprise Bargaining Negotiations Update - 22 April 2009

As many of you know, the La Trobe University Enterprise Bargaining Agreement 2004-2008 (LTU EBA), which covers the majority of staff at the University, passed its nominal expiry date in June last year.  Today, I would like to give you an update on the progress of the negotiations, and the anticipated next steps.

What's happened so far?

The University has been engaged in negotiations with staff unions since last year and details of the progress of these negotiations are set out on our intranet here .  The talks have been collaborative and detailed.  Substantial progress has been made in areas such as on leave entitlements and the re-institution of several pre-HEWRRS provisions.

La Trobe is represented at these negotiations by a bargaining team which regularly briefs the EBA Reference Group, and it is this group who decides responses to the unions' claims. The Reference Group will ultimately make recommendations to the Vice Chancellor at the conclusion of the negotiations to allow for sign off and the operation of the new Agreement.  You can find details of the bargaining team, Reference Group and staff unions EBA teams here .

NTEU's claims

The NTEU's initial log of claims was broad based, and intended to provide a starting point for negotiations, which the parties have pursued.  In September 2008, the University provided a substantive draft agreement, except for salary increases and   negotiations continued in the ensuing months.  On 30 January 2009 the University requested the NTEU provide detailed claims on all outstanding issues.  A lengthy and complex draft agreement was presented to the University by the NTEU on the evening of Friday 27 March. 

What's next?

The NTEU is seeking a rapid return to substantive negotiations.  The parties are meeting on 5 May to try to quickly progress non-controversial claims and drafting issues.  However, the University requires time to undertake a proper and detailed consideration of the broader claims.  

La Trobe is committed to responding to the NTEU's claims in a timely manner; however it is essential that careful, thoughtful consultation with appropriate stakeholders occur.  Several of the suggested claims, if accepted, would have a significant impact on the operations of the University.  The claims have been provided during a time of great change confronting the higher education sector, global economic challenges and substantial reforms to workplace relations laws.  I believe it is important to provide adequate time for the Reference Group to analyse and determine the University's response to the proposals. 

In order for the University to have time to undertake this analysis it has been agreed that substantive negotiations will resume in the week commencing 18 May, with a view to concluding an agreement as soon as practicable.

La Trobe will continue to approach the negotiations openly and collaboratively.  Please check the EBA website regularly to keep you updated on progress of negotiations, at http://www.latrobe.edu.au/pc/eba/ .

I sincerely welcome your questions or comments about the negotiations through our email: eba-feedback@latrobe.edu.au .

Kind Regards
Müyesser Durur