The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) has prepared policy positions setting out the changes its members would like to see in the Australian Public Service (APS) after the Federal Election.
According to the CPSU, the outcome of the election would determine not just Australia’s future Government, but also the future of employers in the APS and Commonwealth public sector generally.
The CPSU policy calls for better bargaining rules to secure improved pay and
conditions.
“We expect a good Government to be a model employer, respecting our voice at work, encouraging diversity and participation, and genuinely engaging in bargaining,” it states.
“We should all be able to genuinely negotiate for better conditions and real pay increases with active representation by our union.”
It said back pay should always be able to be negotiated when substantive negotiations went beyond the expiry date of an agreement.
“We want inequities in pay and conditions addressed across our sector.”
The CPSU said all workers deserved good, secure jobs, with wages and conditions they could rely on.
“We should all have access to a job that allows us to plan for our future, apply for a home loan or take time off for a holiday. Getting sick or needing time off to care for our loved ones shouldn’t mean we can’t pay the bills,” it said.
“We want an Australian Public Service staffed by ongoing, permanent staff with access to a career pathway and the benefits of APS employment.”
On climate change, the CPSU said this was union business.
“Environmental activism is part of our history and workers are at the centre of solutions to the health and safety risks created by climate change and ensuring we have secure jobs with good wages and conditions in the future,” the union said.
“The CPSU Climate Action Network has developed a comprehensive Net Zero policy that maintains the Government should set the standard for best practice, with a commitment to net zero emissions in APS and Commonwealth public sector workplaces.”
The CPSU said job security was a cornerstone in addressing cost of living pressures and Government policy in this area needed to change.
“We have been advocating to the Coalition Government and Labor Party for policy proposals that will address these issues,” it said.
