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Over the past few months, the FSU has been discussing our Enterprise Agreement (EA) with ART management. We now have a proposal for a variation to our EA for your consideration.

Our union’s position on this variation will be guided by FSU members.

Please provide your feedback to help determine whether the FSU should support this variation. Following our meetings last week, this is your final opportunity to have your say.

Why are we considering a variation and not a full negotiation for a new Agreement?

Members told the FSU that they want to see a pay increase in their pockets as soon as possible. Members also told us that it felt like we had only just concluded the last round of negotiations, and they were not ready to begin a full negotiation so soon.

The most efficient way to get pay increases secured is through a variation to our existing Agreement, rather than negotiating a new one from scratch.

Do we get to do a full negotiation soon?

Yes – if this variation is approved, it will run until 17 April 2028. This means we are likely to start negotiations for our next Agreement around the beginning of 2027.

What does this variation involve?

Term: The term of the Agreement is extended to 17 April 2028.

Overtime: Overtime for Group A will be available for all additional hours, and Group B threshold will be increased to $156,000.

Pay:

• Group A pay increases:
  
  1 July 2026 – 4%
  1 July 2027 – 3.5%
  
  1% merit increase will be available in 2026 and 2027.
  
  
• Group B pay increases:
  
  

Cost of living payment: A payment of $1000 (plus super) paid to everyone with a base pay less than $183,100.

Increases to on-call allowances.

A family and domestic violence assistance payment of $1000 to cover essential items like food or emergency accommodation.

Increased parental leave: 22 weeks for primary carers and eight weeks for secondary carers, with an additional four weeks in the case of multiple births.

Prenatal leave of 36.35 hours.

Reproductive health care leave of six days along with additional flexibility to manage reproductive health-related conditions.

More flexible access to cashing out annual leave.

Improved rights for FSU delegates to assist our union community at ART.

Improved consultation where artificial intelligence impacts your role, giving you a genuine voice in the process.

Are there any downsides? Are we losing any conditions?

No – the FSU entered these discussions with ART on the condition that there would be no reduction to any of your conditions at work. This variation only contains improvements to your pay and conditions.

What are the key dates for reviewing and voting?

• Access period (employees decide how they will vote): 15 – 22 June
• Ballot period (employees vote): 23 – 26 June

Got questions?

Please contact your FSU Representatives, or your FSU Organisers:

• Laf Zuccarello – [email protected]
• Shaeleen Martin – [email protected]

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