Dear Member,

HSU members at Opal have locked in major, hard-fought, union gains at Opal and replaced a long-expired enterprise agreement after overwhelmingly voting up a new EA.

More than 80 per cent of Opal employees voted, with an overwhelming 71 per cent of voters agreeing to accept the proposed Opal EA.

What happens now?

Your new enterprise agreement will now be sent to the Fair Work Commission for approval. This process can take up to four-six weeks.

However, Opal have said backpay for any hours worked since July 2023 will be paid in the event of a successful ‘Yes’ vote, without waiting for any approval form Fair Work. All HSU members should keep an eye out for this important payment over the following weeks!

Further, the agreed July 2024 increase will be paid after the enterprise agreement is approved by the Fair Work Commission and in effect. We will update HSU members as the agreement moves through the approval process.

Here are some of the gains HSU members won due to your actions:

• Improved pay offer for all staff
• New infectious disease leave provisions, to better support staff when unwell
• Personal leave balances to be displayed on pay slips
• Improved provisions for union delegates to represent union members
• ‘Serious injury’ pooled sick leave is retained in the agreement.

HSU members wish to give special thanks to HSU bargaining committee reps Lindsay, Ashley, and Kolina, who kept up the fight for real change in this EA. On behalf of all HSU members at Opal, we thank you for your leadership and your continued dedication to your fellow colleagues – all your efforts are very greatly appreciated.

While this agreement doesn’t contain every claim you were fighting for, HSU members have committed to keep up the pressure on Opal and make sure all of the improvements you have won are secured and properly implemented. HSU members will also keep building our strength and activity in the workplace so we can campaign, fight, and win even more in the next campaign.

Encourage your workmates to join the HSU. Together you have strength in your workplace. New members can join online at www.hsu.asn.au/join or call 1300 478 679.