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Question/Comment from Staff Member	Response
The PDR system does not work for academic staff and simply does not reflect what we do or why we are here. I am not motivated by a bonus but I would like to work less hard. The best way forward is to place both PDR and PPRD as equals, put in performance incentives for both that are guaranteed to all staff (not a potential 30%) and let staff choose which they prefer. (posted: 25-Sep-09 10:13:42)
I am concerned about several issues in the “proposed” agreement. 1. Lack of information on HEW class linking. 2. Lack of information on outside studies provision 3. the pay increases. Nothing for another year is crazy. A sign on cash payment or early increment is required, and bring forward the payment schedule, and extend to 17% in total. 4. Academic workloads appear to have slipped off the radar. (posted: 25-Sep-09 09:51:30)	1. The University and the NTEU are continuing to discuss “linking” as part of overall negotiations, with nothing agreed to date. 2. Outside Studies Programs are most appropriately handled at the Faculty level, within the discretion of the relevant Dean. Swinburne Research is currently providing some funding in relation to a Special Studies Program. Discussions continue as part of the negotiations as to what will be included in the new Enterprise Agreement. http://www.research.swinburne.edu.au/researchers/bulletin/2009/september/newsletter_157.pdf 3. The quantum has been determined in accordance with budget and funding forecasts for the University to ensure that awarded increases are sustainable particularly given the situation with respect to projected income generated from international students. Incremental progression is based on an employee’s commencement date. 4. Negotiations are continuing with respect to the final clause to be included in the new agreement.
The pay offer is good, but why is it so spread out? I have fallen behind other people in the same type of position as me from other Universities and may catch up after another three years. The PDR is forced on us and just means more work \'proving\' what we always do any way, and have always done. (posted: 25-Sep-09 09:50:32)	The quantum has been determined in accordance with budget and funding forecasts for the University to ensure that awarded increases are sustainable particularly given the situation with respect to projected income generated from international students.
Can you please advise regarding the following:- * Reinclusion of the Academic Workload model from the 2004 EBA - can I have a copy of this please? Can you advise: will this be reincluded in full, will there be any changes? * Reinclusion of restrictions on the use of fixed term contracts - can you please advise me as to what these are? (posted: 25-Sep-09 09:49:38)	Please find the following link to the Swinburne University of Technology Academic & General Staff EBA 2004 (refer clauses 16 and 18). Negotiations are continuing with respect to the final clause to be included in the new agreement. http://www.swinburne.edu.au/corporate/hr/docs/EBA_2004.pdf
In relation to your recent email regarding the "state of play" of Enterprise Bargaining, I am wondering if there is any proposal to introduce sabbatical/ study leave. I am referring to a benefit that many other Australian universities offer that enables academics to take a period of time up to 6 months after three years service to undertake research and other activities that are of benefit to the academic, their faculty and the university. I joined Swinburne 18 months ago and as a keen researcher I was surprised to find that Swinburne does not have a policy/provision to cover such leave. I do recognise that in nearly all Australian universities that sabbatical/ study leave is not a right but an opportunity that is competitive and offered on the merits of individual's submissions. I think as it stands at Swinburne at the moment though, there is no opportunity for this type of leave. (posted: 25-Sep-09 09:48:49)	Outside Studies Programs are most appropriately handled at the Faculty level, within the discretion of the relevant Dean. Swinburne Research is currently providing some funding in relation to a Special Studies Program. Discussions continue as part of the negotiations as to what will be included in the new Enterprise Agreement. http://www.research.swinburne.edu.au/researchers/bulletin/2009/september/newsletter_157.pdf
The NTEU have asked the University to include in the agreement streamlining of jobs from HEW4 to HEW5 and from HEW5 to HEW6. Today's email does not include any mention of this. Does that mean that this is not going to happen? (posted: 25-Sep-09 09:47:07)	The University and the NTEU are continuing to discuss “linking” as part of overall negotiations, with nothing agreed to date.
Could you please tell me whether TAFE teaching staff's superannuation will be increasing to 17%? (posted: 25-Sep-09 09:46:23)	TAFE Teachers have their terms and conditions governed by the Victorian TAFE Teaching Staff Multi-Business Agreement 2009 (MBA), and therefore receive 9% superannuation in accordance with this agreement.
Will you be continuing with the current maternity leave entitlements in the new agreement? Is there any plans to reduce it? (posted: 06-Apr-09 09:25:50)	There are no plans to reduce the current maternity leave entitlements in the new agreement.