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Australia Post workers vote 'YES' to the Fair Work Agreement

Tuesday, 12 October 2010

Australia Post staff have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new Fair Work Agreement, which reflects renewed strength and unity between staff, management and unions.

The Australian Electoral Commission tallied votes after a two-week ballot, reporting that a majority of workers returned votes, and that 73% voted yes.

Australia Post Managing Director Ahmed Fahour said, "Our employees are fully aware of the fundamental domestic and international challenges the business is facing due to declining letter volumes and retail activity, and this new FWA represents a willingness to work together in the face of changing times for Australia Post.

"This agreement provides job security and stability, and lays the foundation for the transformation of Australia Post through our business renewal program, Future Ready."

Mr Fahour acknowledged the contribution of the CEPU and CSPU in negotiating the new FWA.

"I thank former CEPU President Ed Husic, and other union leaders, for their role in reaching this agreement. It is only through their willingness to come to the table and talk openly that we've been able to achieve this positive outcome for staff," said Mr Fahour.

Australia Post, the CEPU and the CPSU will now lodge the Fair Work Agreement with Fair Work Australia.

Once this is approved by Fair Work Australia, the Australia Post Fair Work Agreement will legally take effect seven days later.

Key points of the Fair Work Agreement are as follows:

  • Pay - pay increases of up to 10% over three years.
  • RRR process - this benefit (established in 1995) will remain in place and will not change and where there are instances of redeployment, retraining or redundancies, consultation will take place.
  • Penalty rates - shift penalty rates are recognised as an important part of an employee's take home pay. Where possible existing shift penalty rates will remain and any changes to shift times will require consultation by all parties at the senior level.
  • Cashing out of annual leave - staff who have accumulated more than six weeks, or four weeks for shift workers, will be able to "cash out" this entitlement once a year.
  • Maternity leave - a one week increase in maternity leave from 13 weeks to 14 weeks.
  • A continued commitment to safety - the unions and Australia Post will work together to negotiate a new OH&S Agreement that will place a greater focus on safety in the workplace. There have also been major changes to the management of injured workers, with a focus on employees choosing to access their own family doctor in the event of a workplace injury to treat and manage their safe return back into the workplace.
  • Flexible workplace arrangements - strengthening of flexible work hours - including the request for caring for a child.
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