TSU Pushing For Ports Parity

Last week The Services Union participated in further Enterprise Agreement (EA) negotiations with Ports North. Once again, our Union’s priority was to encourage Ports North to bring its EA provisions up to par with similar GOC workplaces.

To that end, we had wide-ranging and robust discussions on several topics including:

Paid Parental Leave
We noted that unlike other GOCs, Ports North does not currently have paid leave for the Secondary Carer.

Salary Sacrifice
Ports North remains reluctant to support this claim due to the complexity of the underpinning legislation.

Pay and Classification Structure
We noted that Ports North’s structure is identical to that of North Queensland Bulk Ports, but there is a significant difference in pay rates (to the detriment of Ports North).

Aggregate Salary
While we have got Ports North to improve its offer, we are seeking further wording changes to provide appropriate safeguards.

RPEQ and similar qualifications
While Ports North has agreed to support employees who are required to maintain qualifications, Ports North does not agree to capturing this in the EA.

Work-Life Balance arrangements
Ports North remains resolutely against adopting a compressed four-day week even on a trial basis, and is reluctant to include any other flexibilities (including working from home) over and above what’s in the NES.

We’re back at the table next Wednesday. Look out for details of an online members’ meeting to discuss what items we want to focus on pursuing. We’re bargaining within the confines of a very restrictive GOC Wages Policy, and we will need to reach in-principle agreement by 31 July to secure back-pay in line with the current EA’s nominal expiry of 30 June. If you work with someone who is not yet a member and wants a say on how we sharpen our bargaining focus, encourage them to join online.