University of Newcastle Staff Vote Yes on New Enterprise Agreement

Staff at the University of Newcastle have shown overwhelming support for a 13% pay rise by voting in favour of their proposed new Enterprise Agreements.

The University has today advised staff of the outcome of the ballot held over the past week.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky said the agreements build on a wide range of benefits already available to staff.

“We’re very proud to have found a balance of improving benefits for our staff that ensure our University remains a contemporary and competitive workplace and ensuring our financial sustainability in a tough environment."

As well as the 13% salary increases, the University’s new professional, academic and teaching staff agreements include the following additional benefits:

• Introduction of Life Leave to provide greater flexibility in use of existing Personal Leave entitlements for activities such as school concerts, weddings and life-admin days
• Three additional paid days off as University concession days
• The ability to swap Public Holiday arrangements, including for Australia Day
• Increased Domestic & Family Violence and Abuse Leave
• Enhanced Parental Leave conditions.

“Our University has worked very closely with union representatives from the CPSU and NTEU and staff throughout this process. We’re very pleased to have reached this point.”

Both the Agreements now go to the Fair Work Commission for approval ahead of implementation.

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