CDU ready to deliver increased pay and benefits

Academic and professional staff at Charles Darwin University (CDU) have the opportunity to vote on a new Enterprise Bargaining Agreement this week that outlines terms and conditions of employment for staff at the university.

Enterprise bargaining for a new CDU Enterprise Agreement commenced in mid-2021 and is an important process for seeking agreement between the University and staff on terms of employment.

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Scott Bowman said the new Agreement provides greater leave entitlements and increased salary for the university’s staff.

“CDU has been working with all unions representing CDU staff to achieve a fair, transparent and sustainable set of conditions that recognises the valuable and important work of CDU staff,” Professor Bowman.

“The new Agreement provides higher pay, increased leave, increased flexibility and new paid leave for the university’s dedicated and valued staff.

“Our focus is on ensuring that we can offer a pay deal that is sustainable for the university, is fair for staff and ensures that there will be enhanced employment conditions for current staff at the university.”

The University’s pay rise offer is four per cent upon a majority ‘yes’ vote, with a further two per cent in October 2023 and two per cent in October 2024. Also on offer is a $500 sign-on payment for full-time staff (pro rata for part time staff), and $200 for casual staff.

“We have been honest and clear about our financial position and increased pay for staff, will mean more money in the pockets of our valued staff with an increase in salary in the years following,” he said.

CDU is also offering increased flexibility through the introduction of working from home (up to 20 per cent of work profile) for professional staff and increases to other leave types.

Incorrect information relating to the agreement has been circulated, including a proposal for unlimited restructures at CDU. The proposed Agreement does not propose unlimited restructures at CDU.

In fact, there are no changes to the way change management will be conducted other than an enhanced requirement on management to provide feedback reports to staff when a change is approved for implementation.

"We will always manage change in a consultative and open way,” he said.

“That’s why we have conducted this process with staff and are opening the Agreement to a staff vote.”

Voting on the Agreement commences on Tuesday, 15 November at 8am and will conclude on Thursday, 17 November at midnight.

The vote, which will be anonymous, will be managed by Elections Australia who are a reputable, independent company that has arranged votes for other University elections.