Why are we going to a vote now?

In Late 2023 we commenced negotiations for a new enterprise agreement (EA) . 12 staff representatives put themselves forward from many varied departments of Arc and we have been negotiating with them to form this new agreement . 

During these negotiations we have developed a proposed EA document that incorporates a number of items discussed during the bargaining. The terms and conditions contained within the proposed EA are now being put to staff for their consideration and assessment.

What is in this EA?

This is a replacement for the existing 2009 Arc Collective Agreement. Some of the inclusions are drawn from the 2009 Collective Agreement and some reflect the claims that employees and Arc have pursued during the negotiations. Other clauses are based on content from relevant Modern Awards or clauses that are required to be included under the Fair Work Act. All of the clauses and changes were raised and discussed with the bargaining representatives during the course of the negotiations.

Some of the main inclusions are listed in the key changes summary document that you have been supplied. All clauses are also discussed in the EA Explanation and Effects document. If anything is unclear or if you want further details, you can also ask questions by sending an email to agreement@arc.unsw.edu.au.

The key document, however, is the EA itself. It is important that you read the proposed EA and make up your mind based on the contents of the EA.

Where can i see the new EA? 

Here is the proposed Arc @ UNSW Ltd Enterprise Agreement 2024

Here is a summary document for the proposed EA

Here is the Explanation & Effects Document that gives a detailed breakdown

What happens if the vote is successful?

If the vote is successful, Arc must lodge an application with the Fair Work Commission for the approval of the Agreement. This application must be lodged within 14 days of the vote closing. After receiving Arc’s application, the Commission will review the EA to make sure that it meets all the requirements of the Fair Work Act. It will then decide whether or not to approve the EA. If the Commission approves the EA it will commence operation 7 days after the approval decision is made.

What happens if the vote is NOT successful?

If there is a “no” vote then none of the changes within the proposed EA will come into effect. A “no” vote will mean there is no guarantee that the proposed EA, or any other version, will be put out for a further vote. There is also no guarantee that any part of the current proposal will be included in any future offer from Arc.

Who is eligible to vote?

All full time and part time staff who will be covered by the new EA are eligible to vote. Casual employees who will be covered by the new EA are also eligible to vote so long as they work at some stage during the access and voting period.

How and when do I vote?

Eligible staff will receive an email at the commencement of the ballot period which will include an individual link to the website where they can cast their vote. Voting will be conducted electronically online.

Please note that voting will be open for a limited time only from 6AM WED 21 FEB to 12PM FRI 23 FEB h February. Each staff member is only able to vote once. Once you have voted you will be unable to change your vote, so please carefully consider the proposed EA before you cast your vote.

What if I am on leave or away during the voting period?

You can still vote by accessing the voting page remotely from any computer or other electronic device that has internet access.

What should I do if I don’t receive a ballot but think I am eligible?

If you don’t receive an email you should first check your junk mail folder. If the email is not there contact us to arrange for another email to be sent.

Do I have to vote?

No, voting is not compulsory.

When is a vote successful?

The vote is successful if a majority of the employees who cast a valid vote endorse the Agreement.

If I do not vote is it counted as a yes or a no?

Neither. The result is determined based only on the votes that are cast.

When will we hear the result of the vote?

Arc will communicate the result of the vote to all staff after the voting period closes.

Drop us a line at agreement@arc.unsw.edu.au.