Govt Admin and Misc

No wage growth without proven productivity at SMCT

 A complex round of bargaining at Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust (SMCT) is aiming to resolve two clerical agreements, with the aim of maintaining the best possible conditions for staff.

The need for resolution has arisen from a merger of the Cheltenham & Regional Cemeteries Trust and the Trustees of the Necropolis Springvale.

But bargaining has been further complicated by the fact that, despite being a not-for-profit and receiving no government funding, the trust falls under public-sector legislation requiring cost-justification of all employment decisions from 0%. In practice, this means any improvements on award conditions have to be argued in terms of their likely impact on productivity; harsher regulation than applies even to government projects.

Bargaining continues at SMCT and it is hoped that the ASU and the Trust will find a way through this complexity. The ASU will also work with public sector unions to find a solution to this unfair policy.

State awards to recognise good employers

ways2work fair and flexible employer

The State Government is on the look-out for fair and flexible employers who have developed good work and family balance practices for their staff.

Workforce Victoria has launched the Fair and Flexible Employer Recognition Award 2009 to recognise and promote employers who provide fair and flexible conditions for staff.

ASU Branch Secretary Ingrid Stitt, who is a member of the Victorian Government’s Working Families Council, said employers who had flexible working conditions benefited in return from staff loyalty, corporate knowledge and higher retention rates.

“There are a range of ways that employers can support their staff who may have to work around childcare arrangements, pregnancy and other important family matters,” she said.

The recognition award is available to organisations across Victoria that have developed innovative programs and practices to improve the work and family balance of their employees.

Fair and flexible organisations are those that encourage:

  • Flexible start and finish times

  • pregnant staff to stay in touch with the workplace

  • flexible use of leave

  • the promotion of pay equity

  • job-sharing arrangements

  • child-care support programs

  • quality part-time work

  • other creative workplace practices to help

  • employee choice rostering employees balance work and family needs

  • working from home arrangements.

For an application form or more information contact Workforce Victoria on 9651 9191 or click here.

Award applications close Thursday 9 April, 2009.