The CPSU VIC VPS Agreement: What it Means for Victorian Public Servants
The CPSU VIC VPS agreement was signed in 2016, setting the terms and conditions for Victorian public servants. The agreement covers around 36,000 employees across various sectors, including community services, transport, education, and health.
One of the key highlights of the agreement was the introduction of a 3% pay rise per annum over the life of the agreement. This was a significant win for the CPSU VIC, who had been negotiating for fair wages and conditions for public servants.
The agreement also provided for a range of other benefits and entitlements, including increased job security, parental leave provisions, and extensive consultation processes for major workplace changes.
One of the most significant changes was the introduction of the Family Violence Leave entitlement. This allowed for paid leave for up to 20 days per annum for employees who experienced family or domestic violence. This provision was groundbreaking for the time, recognizing the impact of family violence on workers and their families.
Another important change was the recognition of casual workers, who were previously excluded from many entitlements and benefits. Under the agreement, casual employees were given access to parental leave, personal leave, and long service leave entitlements, among others.
The CPSU VIC VPS agreement also included commitments to improving workplace culture and diversity, including measures to address gender pay gaps and increase opportunities for Indigenous and LGBTIQ+ workers.
In addition to these specific benefits, the agreement also set out detailed processes for dispute resolution and consultation, giving employees a stronger voice in their workplace.
Overall, the CPSU VIC VPS agreement was a significant achievement for Victorian public servants, providing fair pay and conditions as well as important entitlements and protections that recognized the changing nature of modern workplaces. While the agreement is due for renegotiation in 2020, it remains an important milestone in the ongoing struggle for workers` rights and fair treatment in Australia.
