Yesterday Fair Work Australia approved the new ANZ Collective Agreement. This means that the Agreement will become effective on Tuesday 21 December 2010. The new Agreement will cover close to 24,000 staff in Group 4, 5 & 6 roles in Australia. 87% of staff who participated in the ballot voted in favour of the Agreement.

The Agreement, the first since 1998, signals a new beginning for employees at ANZ guaranteeing new minimum salary rates and an independent umpire (Fair Work Australia) who will, for the first time, be able to arbitrate on a large number of workplace issues. Whilst the agreement doesn't deliver everything FSU members asked for, FSU believes it is an important step forward for members at ANZ.

What happens Now?

The Agreement comes into effect on Tuesday 21 December, 7 days after approval. The Agreement provides for the 2010 salary increases to be backdated to 24 September 2010. ANZ will process the backpay as soon as possible. The FSU will be visiting workplaces and providing information and education on the Collective Agreement in the new year.

Congratulations to all ANZ members on achieving your first collective agreement in 12 years, well done! 

Questions or comments?

• Talk to your workplace representatives or FSU organiser;
• Call the Member Rights Centre on 1300 366 378
• Go to the website www.fsunion.org.au;
• Look out for the FSU Updates and Fact Sheets.