Positive talks: Now let’s put something down in writing.
Our negotiations for your new Collective Agreement continue to look promising with several big issues already raised and discussed with SBS management.
To recap, your concerns over issues such as permanent employment for people on specified period/task contracts, PMPs, and flexible working arrangements have been acknowledged by SBS management and are currently being looked into.
The progress made during these discussions means that we have already commenced the drafting of some of the clauses in your new Agreement.
On Thursday, we looked at clarifying some of the clauses in your Agreement to better articulate how certain processes should be properly undertaken such as how you can arrange flexible working time with the company.
Still to be drafted includes the complete rewording of the Agreement’s section on PMPs to reflect the agreed changes made to the process to make it become more meaningful and transparent to you.
Separate Union talks
Last Wednesday, your Unions had the opportunity to negotiate separately with SBS management on specific matters relevant to our members.
Media Alliance
Job certainty is one of the main things our members from TV and Radio would like to see improved here at SBS.
There are many of you who are currently on specified period/task contracts with several still on AWAs. SBS management have agreed to review their use of fixed term contracts in a number of these areas and have already demonstrated positive signs by advertising some permanent positions within TV and Radio. SBS management will get back to us in the next few weeks.
We also had the chance to discuss the structural changes occurring in TV as it moves to a non-linear newsroom. Radio Review will be discussed at a later date.
CPSU
The right to permanent employment is an issue our members have been concerned about for some time. The use of Specific Period and Fixed Term AWAs in SBS has well above the community average.
Last year it was revealed in Senate Estimates that 51% of staff at SBS were non-ongoing
While we recognise that these employment arrangements are, at times, necessary, it is our opinion that a majority of roles currently at SBS should be made permanent.
Our discussions centred on strengthening the current clause which ensures that permanent employment remains the main option for SBS staff.
