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EB'99 Academic StaffCorrespondence |
General Staff Enterprise Agreement Negotiations |
| 3 September, 1999 Mr. Grahame McCulloch General Secretary National Tertiary Education Industry Union First Floor, 120 Clarendon Street South Melbourne, VIC 3205 Dear Mr. McCulloch, Re: General Staff Enterprise Agreement Negotiations I refer to your letter of 1 September 1999. The University is aware of the NTEU application, under s204 of the AWR Act 1996, now before the AIRC in which the NTEU seeks a rule change to extend its coverage to include persons employed as general staff in the higher education sector. The University is also aware that the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) are opposing such a change. Such matters are for the relevant parties and organisations, and not matters in which the University should or needs to be involved. Further to this point, the University is advised that those unions with constitutional coverage at the University of New England, in particular the CPSU and the ALHMWU, have the rights to represent the interests of both blue and white collar general staff on a collective basis. As we understand the matter, the NTEU does not have that constitutional right of cover currently, and the application now before the AIRC seeks to alter that circumstance. Until such time as a decision is handed down in relation to that application, and whilst both blue and white collar employees continue to have representation on a collective basis, the University is not in a position to extend the right of collective representation to the NTEU when, under the prevailing circumstances, it does not have the constitutional power to do so. The University believe that this position is in line with the Freedom of Association principles, and with other provisions contained within the AWR Act 1996. The University has created means by which the interests of both union and non-union employees are represented fully. The University notes that your agency members may lodge a complaint with the Office of the Employment Advocate (OEA), and would be willing to discuss this issue with the OEA if required. Of course, should any ruling that alters the current position be handed down in relation to the application before the AIRC, then the University would be in a position to reconsider its present approach. Should you wish to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours sincerely, Professor Brian Stoddart Pro Vice Chancellor (Research & External) |
© 1999 University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351.
Last revised: 25 October 1999
Email: planning@metz.une.edu.au