Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) staff are likely to take industrial action on November 30th after Special Minister of State Gary Gray refused to sign-off on an agreement staff had negotiated with BOM management.
Minister Gray's decision has angered BOM staff who had negotiated in good faith and believed that the agreement offered fair recognition of the work they do with effective pay rises of 10.15-10.6 per cent over three years.
CPSU National Secretary Nadine Flood said Minster Gray's decision was staggering and showed disrespect for BOM staff.
"After seven months of negotiations the BOM finally offered an agreement that recognised the work that the skilled and dedicated staff at the Bureau do. Gary Gray has now decided to tear that up and send the parties back to negotiations," Ms Flood said.
"We are baffled by this decision, which has been based on trivial objections to conditions which have been allowed in other public sector agreements.
The changes demanded by the Special Minister of State mean that 75 employees already earn less than average weekly earnings will have to forego $800 per year. Mr Gray has also objected to provisions which would give staff up to 20 days of Carers Leave per year, limiting it to 18 days.
"This is a ridiculous level of petty micro-management from the Special Minister which does nothing to encourage management and staff to negotiate in good faith," said Ms Flood.
Ms Flood said that staff were now considering a return to protected industrial action.
"Bureau staff provide essential services to Australians but Gary Gray doesn't seem to recognise our dedication, professionalism and skills.
"Taking industrial action is a last resort, but we are not prepared to accept Minister Gray's interference. We know members of the public, emergency services and industry appreciate the important work that Bureau staff do," Ms Flood said.
Staff rejected the first agreement offered by BOM management with 83 per cent voting against. After staff took protected industrial action the BOM made a second offer which was accepted by staff.
As well as providing short and long range weather forecasting, the Bureau's 1700 staff:
• work with emergency services through weather emergencies such as fire, floods and cyclones
• provide services to the aviation, maritime and agriculture industries
• collect and analyse climate data; and
• provide a huge amount of information in real time on the Bureau website, one of the most accessed Australian websites.
For comment
Nadine Flood 0407 731 330
Alistair Waters 0417 547 407
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