In difficult economic times, this proposed agreement delivers significant improvements and clarifies some key areas in favor of TWU members and their families. Some key new provisions include:
- A commitment to 100% entitlements protection
- Protection from contracting out
- Improved job security provisions
- Improved dispute procedures and rights for TWU delegates and members
In addition, the agreement is scheduled to only run until 31st of December 2010, allowing negotiations to recommence in a climate when the economic environment is clearer.
The agreement also includes a 7% wage increase – 3.5% paid from 1st July 2009 and 3.5% paid from 1st July 2010.
Over a shorter period, this wage increase is already more than what was achieved in the last EBA agreement – which was negotiated in the good times.
In difficult times, the agreement presents a good outcome from TWU members and their families and members and encouraged to VOTE YES when asked to approve the agreement in the weeks to come.