IWUA Case Win #1359: IWUA EBA Negotiations

EBA negotiations win big increases for IWUA members 

When enterprise bargaining negotiations begin in the workplace it can be a formidable and daunting process, especially as the result will affect your employment for the next few years.

That’s why the IWUA is committed to protecting and promoting the interests of our members, by helping them achieve better working conditions and fair wages.

Recently, one of our members approached us for assistance in negotiating their Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) with their employer. The employer had proposed a wage increase of 2% for the current year, with a further increase of 2% the following year, and 1% in the year after that. They also offered an additional 1% for employees who did overtime and did not take any sick leave.
While this may seem like a reasonable offer, our case managers felt that our member deserved better and set out to negotiate a better deal on their behalf.

Instead of the original offer of a 2% increase, we secured a 4.6% increase in the first year, followed by a 4% increase in the second year, and a 3-4% increase in the third year, depending on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). A significant improvement on the initial offer.

In addition to the wage increase, we were also able to negotiate an important clause for shift workers. If they are stood down due to a stoppage of work, they will be entitled to 2 hours pay:

(e) any unsafe conditions where the employee cannot be relocated to a safer area a minimum of 2hrs wages will be provided to the Employee for the standdown (e.g. loss of lighting at night)

This is a significant win for shift workers, who are often left without pay when work is stopped due to circumstances outside of their control.

As a result of our negotiations, the Better Off Overall Test (BOOT) for our members increased from 120 to 140. The BOOT is a legal requirement that ensures employees are better off under an EBA than they would be under the relevant award.

This means that our members are now guaranteed better working conditions and pay than they would have received without our assistance.

To view the published award click here: Superior PAK PTY LTD T/A Superior PAK
(AG2022/3074)

Why is the IWUA different? We believe that real change in workforce STARTS with empowering workers, not bureaucrats. 

If you are a member of IWUA and need assistance with enterprise bargaining please submit a EB Representation Request form on your dashboard. You contact us on
(07) 3497 5071 - hotline@iwua.asn.au

To find out more about IWUA and become protected today visit: https://iwua.redunion.com.au/