The Swinburne Enterprise Agreement 2017: What You Need to Know

The Swinburne Enterprise Agreement 2017 is a legally binding agreement that governs the terms and conditions of employment for staff at Swinburne University of Technology. This agreement was negotiated between Swinburne management and the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) and was approved by the Fair Work Commission in October 2017.

So, what does this agreement mean for Swinburne staff and the university as a whole? Here are some key points:

Salary Increases:

The agreement provides for a 2% salary increase per annum for the life of the agreement. This means that Swinburne staff will be receiving a pay rise each year to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living.

Casual Conversion:

The agreement provides for a pathway to convert casual employees to ongoing employment after 12 months of regular employment. This is a significant improvement from previous agreements and provides greater job security for casual staff.

Flexible Working Arrangements:

The agreement allows for flexible working arrangements, such as part-time work, job-sharing and working from home, to be negotiated between staff and management. This allows for a better work-life balance and can improve staff retention.

Parental Leave:

The agreement provides for up to 26 weeks of paid parental leave for eligible staff. This is an improvement from the previous agreement and ensures that Swinburne staff can take time off to care for their new family members.

Domestic Violence Leave:

The agreement provides for up to 20 days of paid domestic violence leave for eligible staff. This is an important provision that recognises the impact of domestic violence and provides support for staff who may be experiencing it.

Committee Representation:

The agreement provides for the establishment of committees to enable staff to participate in decision-making at Swinburne. This includes committees to support gender equity, Indigenous employment and disability inclusion.

Overall, the Swinburne Enterprise Agreement 2017 is a positive outcome for Swinburne staff. It provides for improved working conditions, greater job security and recognition of the diversity of staff and their needs. By negotiating and approving this agreement, Swinburne has demonstrated a commitment to its workforce and to providing a high-quality education and research experience for its students.