Unfortunately, the outcome of the SNP CWA4 second vote was not what we were hoping for. The results of the vote were:

No Votes - 750 - 35.37%
Yes Votes - 1369 - 64.61%  

This means SNP will apply to the Fair Work Commission for approval of the Agreement. Part of this process includes the Commission completing a ‘Better Off Overall Test’ (BOOT) to ensure workers are not disadvantaged for having a new workplace agreement. The Unions covered by the Agreement also have an opportunity to raise any concerns with the agreement on this basis.

As we have communicated throughout the bargaining process, your Union has serious concerns about the part time arrangements and consultation provisions meeting the BOOT test. We will raise these with the Fair Work Commission to seek changes to those parts of the agreement.

Some members have asked if the SNP $700 signing bonus payment was allowed in the “bargaining in good faith”. Alas, this tactic was used effectively by SNP in this case and is not seen as breaching good faith bargaining.

So what happens next? 

• You should have received your $700 (before tax) already – please let your local HSU delegate or the Union office know if you haven’t.
• Once the agreement is approved by the Fair Work Commission (usually around 6 weeks) your next full fortnight’s pay should include your 2022 pay increase.

Moving forward to day-to-day operation of the CWA4, there will be changes and new arrangements that will impact your working conditions. Your Union is here to support you and your colleagues in holding SNP accountable with the correct and proper application of the agreement. If you have any concerns or queries about your workplace rights, please don’t hesitate to contact your local HSU Delegate or the HSU Member Services Division on 1300 478 679.

I know this isn’t the outcome we had hoped for, but I am very proud of the whole HSU Bargaining Team and HSU members. You have stayed strong on our union values and stuck together to show our strength and unity.