Despite the global financial crisis, 14 TAFE Collective Agreements have been concluded with good outcomes for NTEU members.

They include a pay rise of 3.25% which has delivered a quick increase prior to the State Government revising downwards the public sector wages policy to 2.7%.

NTEU TAFE Branch took the practical decision late last year to roll over current Agreements for a 3.25% payrise in line with public sector wages policy. Given the global financial crisis the Branch was worried that the State Government may reduce the wages policy.  The TAFE Branch decision was well advised given the change in public sector wages policy.

Most of the Agreements deliver a range of local arrangements to grant grace in favour days for the Christmas closedown.  The closedown days are worth 0.7% to 1.5%.

All fourteen Agreements include the following improvements:

· Two 3.25% salary increases over the next two years, with the first to be back-dated to the various dates in February and March when Agreements were reached and the second rise 12 months later.

· An additional $400 (pro rata) lump sum payment to each PACCT staff member.

· Access to long service leave after seven years (instead of the current 10).

· Improved maternity leave and adoption leave, including paid leave increased from 12 to 14 weeks, and an additional 12 months of unpaid leave.

By Janet Bourke, Industrial Officer, Victorian Division