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 Higher Education (Universities & TAFE)

 

The Rank & File team understands and values the diversity of PSA CPSU NSW members employed within the Higher Education sector and the unique challenges that working within a competitive union environment brings.

 

Achievements:

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• Enterprise Bargaining improvements in nearly all Agreements. 
• Secured office space at more university campuses.

• Increased regional organising capacity to support the union's National Systems team

• Improved employment conditions across all universities (including at some unis – paid super on unpaid mat leave)

• Improved DV leave conditions across all unis

• implemented a delegates' network

• The CPSU NSW achieved significant wins, including Gender Affirmation Leave, increased job security, menstrual and menopause leave, improved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment clauses, and superannuation on unpaid parental leave.

• The CPSU NSW successfully resolved a dispute regarding TAFE Store Officers in the Illawarra, resulting in back payments of $55,000 - $65,000 for underpaid duties.

• The TAFE Commission of NSW Administrative, Support and Related Employees Enterprise Agreement 2023 was approved and includes improvements such as better parental leave provisions, consultation on managing workplace change, and lactation breaks.

• The CPSU NSW met with TAFE Minister Steve Whan to discuss the allocation of $300 million and other pressing issues, with the Minister assuring open dialogue with the union.

• The CPSU NSW lodged a dispute regarding the conversion of casual employees to permanent status, leading to a ruling that TAFE must offer permanent positions to eligible employees.

• Eight weeks paid partner leave (WSU).

• Gender Affirmation Leave 90 days (UOW). 

• Stopped the relocation of TAFE Petersham's Early Childhood Education Centre.

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees, other than casual employees, may be granted up to a maximum of 10 days leave without loss of pay in any 12 month period to participate in or fulfil cultural/ceremonial activities/obligations/responsibilities.

 

We recognise the need to continue to focus and intensify our efforts in support of members in Higher Education and commit to:

 

• Maintaining a specialist team of industrial and support staff within the PSA CPSU NSW who work exclusively with and in support of members in the federal industrial relations system;

• Promoting the industrial achievements of university members in enterprise bargaining and giving respect to the often ground breaking nature of their successes; 

• Continue our fight to stop the privatisation of TAFE NSW

• Ensuring that the PSA CPSU NSW is considered an authoritative voice on matters relating to Higher Education policy in Australia;

• Focus on the development and training of CPSU NSW delegates in universities and TAFE to ensure continued support and growth.