POSITIVE TALKS PROGRESS ACTION COLLECTIVE WORKPLACE AGREEMENT

Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, John Hargreaves, today announced the ACT Government’s agreement to the draft ACTION Union Collective Agreement 2007-10.

“ACTION’s current Certified Agreement is a complex document that required a complete revision to ensure it complies with the current Australian Government workplace laws,” said Mr Hargreaves.

“The final draft Agreement has been negotiated with three separate unions - the Transport Workers’ Union, the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and the Community and Public Sector Union. Over 120 separate clauses regarding pay and conditions of ACTION employees have been reviewed.

“The new agreement will result in a salary increase of 4% annually for ACTION employees over 3 years, taking effect from the 5th of April 2007.

“The negotiations have achieved significant productivity, and allow for further discussions on productivity and business improvement over the life of the agreement. The government expects regular reporting on business improvements and further productivity gains.

“This has been an extensive but thorough process, which required an assessment for ‘Prohibited Content’ by the Workplace Authority in December 2007.

“I thank ACTION staff for their patience through this negotiation period, and steps will now be put in place for staff to consider and vote on the Agreement at the earliest opportunity.

“I would also thank ACTION management for conducting the process in an open, transparent and thoroughly professional fashion.”

“I am confident that ACTION staff will be happy with the Agreement that has been negotiated by their unions and ACTION management”, concluded Mr Hargreaves.