Australia Post staff have voted overwhelminglyin favour of a new ‘Fair Work Agreement’ (FWA), which the company claimed reflected renewedstrength and unity between staff, management and unions.
The Australian Electoral Commission tallied votes after a two-week ballot, reporting that amajority of workers returned votes, and that 73% voted yes.
Australia Post managing director Ahmed Fahoursaid: “Our employees are fully aware of the fundamental domestic and international challenges thebusiness is facing due to declining letter volumes and retail activity, and this new FWA representsa willingness to work together in the face of changing times for Australia Post. This agreementprovides job security and stability, and lays the foundation for the transformation of AustraliaPost through our business renewal program, Future Ready.”
Fahour acknowledged the contribution of the CEPUand CSPU unions in negotiating the new FWA.
“It is only through their willingness to come tothe table and talk openly that we’ve been able to achieve this positive outcome,” said Fahour.
Once approved by Fair Work Australia, theAustralia Post Fair Work Agreement will legally take effect seven days later.
Key points of the agreement include: payincreases of up to 10% over three years; the company’s redeployment, retraining or redundanciesprocess will remain in place; shift penalty rates are recognised as an important part of anemployee’s take home pay, and any changes to shift times will require consultation by all partiesat the senior level; a one week increase in maternity leave from 13 weeks to 14 weeks; the unionsand Australia Post will work together to negotiate a new OH&S Agreement that will place agreater focus on safety in the workplace; strengthening of flexible work hours – including therequest for caring for a child.
