When it comes to workplace agreements, one term that frequently arises is the enterprise bargaining agreement (EBA). An EBA is an agreement made between an employer and their employees, which sets out the terms and conditions of employment, such as wages, hours of work, and entitlements.

At the University of Melbourne, an EBA was established in 2018, following negotiations between the university and the National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU). The EBA covers approximately 10,000 staff members, including academic and professional staff, and is set to expire in June 2021.

So what does the University of Melbourne`s EBA entail? Let`s take a closer look.

Wages and salaries

Under the EBA, the University of Melbourne agreed to a 2% wage increase per annum for the duration of the agreement. However, the agreement also includes a provision for the university to provide an additional 0.5% increase in the first year for staff members earning less than $80,000 per annum.

Hours of work

The EBA establishes a standard working week of 36.75 hours, although there is flexibility for individual staff members to negotiate alternative arrangements with their supervisor. Full-time staff are entitled to 20 days of annual leave per annum, as well as additional leave entitlements such as personal leave and long service leave.

Gender equity and diversity

The EBA also includes provisions aimed at promoting gender equity and diversity within the workplace. For example, the university has committed to increasing the representation of women in senior positions and to addressing the gender pay gap. The agreement also establishes a diversity and inclusion committee to oversee activities aimed at promoting a more diverse and inclusive workplace.

Overall, the University of Melbourne`s EBA represents a significant achievement for both the university and the NTEU. By establishing clear terms and conditions of employment, the EBA provides greater certainty and security for staff members, while also promoting better workplace relations and a more inclusive culture. As the agreement approaches its expiration date, negotiations are likely to be underway to establish a new agreement that builds on the successes of the current EBA.