Penola Nursing Home: Enterprise bargaining
Published: 18 March 2010
The overwhelming majority of Penola employees signed a petition requesting that the employer begin enterprise bargaining negotiations with the QNU.
On 17 March 2010 the QNU and two QNU members met with management representatives to discuss whether bargaining should proceed.
As we were not able to reach agreement on this fundamental issue, the QNU has made an application to Fair Work Australia to begin the enterprise bargaining process.
Enterprise bargaining is the way employees achieve improvements in their wages and conditions.
Currently approximately three-quarters of aged care nurses are covered by enterprise agreements and are paid significantly higher rates than Penola nurses (click here to see the wages table).
But your employer says they can’t afford to bargain
In the bargaining process both the employer and the union submit claims, and each responds to the other party’s claims. Both claims and responses should be supported by explanations.
We have yet to see an employer agree to a wage increase they cannot afford.
At the end of the bargaining, employees who are to be covered by the agreement vote on the agreement.
Your employer is currently attempting to avoid negotiations. You have a legal right to pursue an agreement with your employer and be represented by the QNU.
You do not need to be afraid that you will lose your job simply because you want fair wages and conditions. You will in fact gain greater security of employment under an enterprise agreement.
What is usually in an agreement
The agreement will cover the following matters:
- Hours of work – length of shifts
- Wage rates
- Classifications and career progression
- Weekend penalties
- Superannuation
- Annual leave, long service leave, sick leave
as well as many other conditions of employment. The agreement will apply only to Penola nursing staff.
Examples of other agreements which the QNU has negotiated are available in the Your entitlements section of the website.
Please contact QNU Organiser, Paul Mitchell by phone on 3840 1444 if you have any questions or concerns about this matter.
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