Join FSU
Sign in

General news

Landmark Agreement comes into effect at Australian Retirement Trust

The new Australian Retirement Trust (ART) Enterprise Agreement (EA) is now in effect!  

The FSU’s campaign for this Agreement was anything but ordinary. From the start, ART management launched an aggressive misinformation campaign, even accusing the FSU of spreading “fake news”. But members remained steadfast, determined to protect our pay and working conditions. 

The campaign focused on securing pay rises that matched the cost of living, ensured genuine flexibility, and addressed overtime and understaffing. Despite management’s misleading claims and attempts to push through an inadequate offer, FSU members stood together and decisively voted No. 

This collective action forced ART management back to the bargaining table, leading to a significantly improved Agreement. Since this was the first Agreement for the organisation, it was important to get it right and not settle for a bad deal. The final EA included fair pay increases, proper flexibility, and better overtime provisions, which 91% of staff who voted said YES to. 

 

Key wins in the ART Enterprise Agreement:
 

  • Pay increases: Over the life of the EA, employees will receive 4% in 2023, 3.5% in 2024, and 3.5% in 2025.
  • Cost of living allowance: Employees earning up to the high-income threshold will receive a one-off $1000 cost of living allowance, along with incentive transition payments to compensate for reduced financial incentives in certain roles. 
  • Superannuation: A significant win with superannuation contributions increasing to 14%. 
  • Parental leave: The Agreement introduces a 20 week gender-neutral primary parental leave (including adoption leave), with superannuation paid on any unpaid component for up to 12 months. Additionally, antenatal leave, coverage in case of stillbirth, and four weeks of secondary parental leave are included.  
  • Gender affirmation leave: Employees undergoing gender affirmation will now have access to six weeks of paid leave and up to 46 weeks of unpaid leave. 
  • Wellbeing leave: 6 days of non-cumulative paid Wellbeing Leave have been introduced to support mental and physical health. 
  • Cultural leave: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees will now receive five days of noncumulative paid cultural leave, in addition to Sorry Business leave being added to compassionate leave provisions. 
  • Domestic and family violence (DFV) leave: Employees experiencing DFV are entitled to six weeks of noncumulative paid leave, with additional unpaid leave available. Those assisting an immediate family or household member will have access to five days of paid noncumulative leave. 

 

This victory highlights the power of union members.  

By standing together, FSU members at ART secured a much better deal, showing that collective strength can overcome even the toughest challenges. 

Related content

BECOME AN FSU MEMBER TODAY.

When you join the FSU, you get access to expert workplace support whenever you need it. From pay and conditions to restructures and workplace disputes, we help you understand your rights. You'll receive representation where it’s needed and access to exclusive member benefits that add value beyond the workplace. If something isn’t right, or you simply want clarity about your options, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Join FSU
Proudly supported by:
The Finance Sector Union respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work, and pay respect to First Nations Peoples and their Elders, past and present.
Authorised by Julia Angrisano, Finance Sector Union of Australia, Level 13, 380 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000.
Copyright © 2026 Finance Sector Union (FSU). All rights reserved.
Privacy policy Site disclaimer