Friday, 24 December 2004

You will be aware from previous updates that CIE negotiations were on hold in order to allow CIE to attain endorsement for the enhanced proposals that they presented to us during the last negotiating session. They have now received a definitive response in respect of the enhanced proposals they provisionally tabled last time round and it doesn’t make pretty reading!

Before I go into detail, it’s fair to say that CIE went to significant efforts to seek approval for their much improved provisional offer, but they were unsuccessful. Your President and I had clear evidence of this during our meeting with the Ministers of Corrections and State Services. Both gentlemen confirmed that approaches had been made for additional funding and both confirmed that none was forthcoming. Accordingly, it’s fair to say that CIE’s representatives were fairly subdued and clearly under pressure when they reported back to us.

Having said all that, the current proposal is so far away from our original claim and their previous provisional response that the time has come for us to provide feedback on the main points of contention. We will then hold a further round of workplace meetings in order to gain consensus on the most productive way forward. I will place no particular emphasis on any aspect of CIE’s position, as the facts speak for themselves.

Main Issues of Contention:

1. Budgetary Restrictions - CIE were unable to obtain authority to exceed their budget appropriation from the Minister and this has basically scuttled any discussions regarding increased salaries and other financially based claims.
2. Annual Leave – It is still their intention to change the document in respect of any staff employed after any settlement, in order to align their provisions with the proposed changes to the Holidays Act. . This would mean that there would no longer be any recognition of time served or loyalty. Under this proposal, current staff would retain their existing leave provisions on a grand-parented basis via individual letters.
3. Newly Proposed Separate Pay Scales – CIE are prepared to grandparent current salary scales for existing staff.
4. Claim for 3% across the board Salary Increase – CIE’s provisionally proposed position is no longer sustainable due to constraints and, accordingly, there is no funding available for an across the board salary increase.
5. Bonus percentage payment – CIE has offered to build 3% into the salaries of staff on Levels 2 and 3. There is no offer for those on Level 1, as bonus payments do not currently apply to this group
6. Timber Industry – CIE stated that their provisional proposal for improved offers has been adversely affected by the recent downturn in the Timber industry. At this stage we were presented with a letter indicating your employer’s intention to review the Timber Industry and they made it very clear that there would be job losses. At this point, CIE invited CANZ to nominate a representative for a working party organised for the purpose of addressing the downturn and turning things around.
7. Rollover (sounds familiar?) – As an alternative to the above CIE are willing to offer a further 12-month rollover whilst they regroup and consolidate.

As you can see, there is much to discuss and we cannot proceed without your input. We have made it very clear that our recommendation will be for the rejection of the revised proposals, as they deliver nothing to anyone and clearly disadvantage everyone in one way or another. We have also pointed out that the proposal for a rollover will be seen as a complete cop-out, as members supported the last one on the basis of a clear and unambiguous assurance that they would be compensated this time around.

Please remember that this is your employer’s position – not ours!!! We are, however, membership driven and you must have the opportunity to contribute to our substantive response. I look forward to meeting with you all early in the New Year.

Yours in unity,

Brian Davies
Senior National Organiser
CANZ